Elgart Addresses DeKalb County Graduates

May 24th, 2013

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Seniors at DeKalb County’s Druid Hills High School graduated Friday in a ceremony at the Atlanta Civic Center. Mark Elgart, the CEO of DeKalb’s accrediting agency, delivered the commencement address.

The sound of pomp and circumstance is especially sweet this year for seniors at DeKalb County high schools. The district was placed on accredited probation in December, which precedes a loss of accreditation. That could affect scholarships and college acceptances. But during his address, Elgart encouraged the class of 2013.

“As you leave Druid Hills today, be assured that the education you received was of significant benefit,” Elgart said, “Our recent actions are intended to preserve and improve what you have experienced for future classes.”

Afterwards, graduate Caleb Bugg said a loss of accreditation would’ve meant cuts to some courses, such as the International Baccalaureate program.

“There are so many brilliant students I know personally, juniors coming up in the I.B. program that need these opportunities,” Bugg said, “And they’re going to some of the best colleges in the country and in the world. So, it’s important to me that we stay accredited.”

The district recently underwent a review to see if it’s making progress. A full review will take place in December.