Question+1

**1. Describe what makes your school unique. Discuss academic opportunities, community engagement activities, school culture, or other activities/policies/programming your school has in place that you believe to be the most compelling in convincing the President to choose your school for his inaugural high school commencement speech. (500 words or less)**

In this essay, provide an explanation of how your school encourages student engagement and attendance. Why do students want to come to school every day? Include relevant information that might include course offerings, project or community-based learning or service-learning opportunities, programs to encourage appropriate behavior and social skills, extracurricular activities, and support for students with excessive or chronic absences.

Cornell is Unique because we have all twelve grades in one school. We aren't that big so we don't have many students in each class. People may think this is a bad thing, but i believe its a good thing because when someone is having a problem with something it, i believe, is easier to get help than a bigger school. I believe students want to come to school everyday because they do not have the fear of getting rejected by anyone, if you ever need help you can always get it, also our school really doesn't have popular kids or unpopular kids, we are all pretty much the same and that makes kids feel good. Another thing about cornell is that we offer college classes, i believe this is a great thing because students can take free college classes here rather than having to go pay for them later on in life. These are reasons i think cornell is more unique than any other school. - Paul Leitner

Cornell is unique because of the size of the school. We are not a big school, and we do not have a large student body what so ever. Being such a small school, you know everybody and have a close relationship with all the teachers. This relationship helps when it comes to the learning process. Knowing your teachers, and having a small student body give more one-on-one help. If you’re having any problems in a class, you can get help as soon as you need it. -Chad Dolgos

Cornell is different because of it's size, since it is a smaller school it brings students and teachers very close. Teachers are able to have a more "hands on experience" with their students so they can make sure students won't fall behind. Also at Cornell their are many academic opportunities, we have "college in high school" courses in many different subjects and also AP courses are available. -Kaitlyn Trimmer

Cornell is not like many other schools. Kindergarten through 12th grade are all going to school in the same building. Teachers get to work closely with students, and build a relationship that makes the learning environment more relaxed. Cornell also has a variety of AP classes, and Collage in the High School classes, that challenge those who want to further their education. At Cornell we have many great sports teams and athletes, and being a small school, we are able to compete with the best private schools who can recruit the best players. - Jamie Byron

Cornell has many ways this school is unique. We have many academic opportunities such as college classes, college prep class, AP classes, special education, and special trade classes. We have different clubs such as key club and National and JR National Honor society. This school also has a variety of sports and events that take place at this school. -Deanna Carter

At Cornell the teachers and staff members encourage students to engage in activities and attend class regularly by making class exciting and different each day. Teachers make innovative lesson plans to keep students attentive and excited to learn something everyday. Cornell is a very small school so it makes it easy for teachers to have one-on-one time with students. -Ashley Podnar

Cornell is unique because of the atmosphere that it provides to the students. All the kids here have big hearts and are very passionate. We participate in many service prjects throughout the year. This includes but is in no way limited to quarterly blood drives, pennies for patient and raising funds for the local food bank. Community service is a big part of who we are here. Also, I must say that our administrative staff is outstanding. They come to the various spoting events plays and concerts. They know the students by name. Also, Cornell is the smallest school in Allegeny Coutny. We are also the first school in Pennsylvania to participate in classrooms for the future. -Cailie Betz

Cornell High School is unique in one way due to it's size. We have such a small school to the point its easy to know everyone. We have currently around 680 students in the district from Coraopolis and Neville Island in kindergarten through 12th grade. The small size also helps allows students get the help they need on a level that will help them instead of teachers running to help thousands of students. The 2010 graduating class is of less then 50 students and each one has a clear plan to further them selves through college and trade school. ~Walter Davis

I think that not only our size makes us unique but also our diversity. Students living in Cornell school district come from a variety of backgrounds, colors, and religious beliefs. I believe that this truly separates our school from others in the nations. -Kyle Donahue