Diploma seals and special recognitions celebrate achievement and readiness for post-secondary life. In Virginia, for example, students can earn multiple official diploma seals upon graduation, such as the Governor’s Seal, Board of Education Seal, STEM Seal, Seal for Excellence in Civics Education, and Seal of Biliteracy.
These seals recognize exemplary performance in academics, language proficiency, civic engagement, or work-based learning. Any student can earn a diploma seal. For gifted students, earning seals can showcase rigor, initiative, and breadth of experience to colleges and employers.
Advisors can help students plan pathways that align coursework, service, internships, and extracurricular leadership in ways that satisfy seal requirements. Documentation, reflection, and regular check-ins ensure students remain on track.
Seals are more than honors; they represent a coherent academic portfolio that reflects commitment, depth, and breadth — essential characteristics of talented learners.
I’m wondering if other states have recognitions like this for students. Does your state have a diploma seals program like Virginia does? Which types of seals can students earn? Please let us know in the comments below! ~Ann
Teaching for Talent 