Meridian World School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which emphasizes reflection, global awareness, and academic rigor. Within the IB framework, students may choose to participate in the Diploma Programme (DP), where they complete all the IB requirements to earn a diploma by the end of Year 2.
One of the highlights of the DP experience is the annual DP Awards Ceremony, which honors students who have shown exceptional growth, dedication, and excellence across a variety of categories.
Students can receive recognition in multiple areas, including:
- DP Subject Awards: One student is recognized from each Year 1 and Year 2 subject, including both IB and non-IB classes such as Government, Economics, and Yearbook.
- Learner Profile Awards: Chosen by the DP teaching team for students who best represent IB Learner Profile traits.
- Honor Roll: Recognition for students earning all A’s or a mix of A’s and B’s.
- Extended Essay & CAS: Special awards are given for outstanding work in these core IB components.
- Top 10% Recognition: Including the naming of the Valedictorian and Salutatorian.
- Club Awards: For leadership and involvement in clubs like MUN and DECA.
- The DP Teacher Award: A special honor chosen by the teaching staff.
To better understand the atmosphere of the event, award recipient Madalynne Kai Donnelly described what the ceremony felt like, “The environment was very supportive. I felt like everybody was really encouraging, but also emotional—Mrs. Holcombe even started crying.”
Donnelly explained, “She was expressing gratitude toward Mrs. Kress and all the other DP staff for their hard work and support.”
The DP Awards are more than just a celebration—they’re a powerful reminder of the growth and perseverance it takes to succeed in the IB program. They provide students with motivation to push themselves academically while also appreciating the journey and the people who help them along the way.
At a school as academically driven as Meridian World School, earning an award is a true accomplishment. Every student recognized at the DP Awards should feel incredibly proud.
