Number of recipients is based on the students who can attain the level or rigor. There is no limit.
Multi-year process
You decide whether it will be earned. You are in the driver’s seat.
You work with the Centers on this pathway for learning
Connects and includes various disciplines and activities around the mission of the different Centers.
Why Pursue a Distinction?
Get “credit” for all you do outside the classroom
Follow an area of personal passion
Receive high level mentorship from Center Directors
Give college a quick and easy way to know you.
Utilize all the resources from the Centers
Process
What to Do and When to Do It
Grade 9 – 10 before class selection deadlines:
Pick a path
Incorporate your classes into your four year plan by working with your dean
Decide when and how you will meet other requirements and use the DT website to find and reach out to people who can offer you guidance in the area you pick.
Sign up for a mentorship meeting. Date will will be announced on this website and at grade level assemblies by end of September each year.
Grade 10
Attend start of school mentorship meeting. Date will will be announced on this website and at grade level assemblies by end of September each year.
Meet with your mentor as needed to get questions answered.
Double check you are on track to meet all the requirement in the time you have left in your four year plan before class selection for 11th grade year
Grade 11
Attend start of school mentor meeting. Date will will be announced on this website and at grade level assemblies by end of September each year.
Meet with your mentor as needed to get questions answered and work on your portfolio.
Meet with your mentor before class selection to be sure you have signed up for any courses you still need
Grade 12
Attend start of the year mentor meeting. Date will will be announced on this website and at grade level assemblies by end of September each year.
Submit intention to apply for award form by December break
Meet with mentor to prepare for panel review/ award presentation
Come to your assigned presentation time prepared to present your four years of work and support your application by answering questions from the Centers leadership panel.
Requirements
Final portfolio will require at least 3 pieces of evidence demonstrating growth toward each competency.
Required Steps
Seven semesters of DTE coursework including a DTE capstone class (either Engineering 5 or Advanced Coding projects)
EX: GSD Engineering or Product Design thread (year –equivalent to E&R 1+2- ) Robotics and Engineering 1 and 2 (SEM), Engineering 3 (either variant), Engineering 4, Engineering 5, AP Computer Science (year) Coding App(SEM), VR/AR, Elements of Design, Adv Computer Science, Introduction to Computer Science, Voyaging, App Development
Cumulative portfolio of coursework and extra curricular work (Template and exemplars available)
Cumulative SEEL growth reflections and goals as part of portfolio
Four semesters of active participation in DT sponsored clubs (Robotics, VR, DTech fabrication, Coding, Tech Entrepreneurship*, Voyaging, or others
Two semesters of DT coursework in addition to six required (any DT departmental course you have not taken/used for other requirements ) (some other departments may offer classes that can work here on a case by case basis)
Arranged independently designed experiences with equivalent hours and DT curricular focus on case by case basis.
Benefits
Earn Department’s highest award
Document your sustained commitment to rigorous study to include with University applications
Prepare yourself for strong programs at the university level
Make positive contribution to the community while at Punahou
Receive a custom recognition trophy fabricated in the Ken Richardson Learning Lab
Have your name added to the distinction award board on permanent display in KRLL
Challenge yourself to achieve at the highest level in areas you are passionate about.
Enjoy the incredible experiences you will have in our classes and clubs
Work with a mentor(s) who are dedicated to helping your personal journey be meaningful