A South Forsyth High School senior will have an extra academic accessory on her diploma when she graduates in May.

Hannah Verboncoeur received the International Skills Diploma Seal Star Students Award from the Georgia Department of Education at the end of April, one of three ways in which a senior can graduate with a world languages recognition.

“Only one student is chosen to receive the Star Student Award at the Department of Education. This is truly a special honor for Hannah,” said Judy Hollandsworth, British literature teacher and media relations for the school on Peachtree Parkway.

State School Superintendent Richard Woods presented the award to the soon-to-be-graduate with Patrick Wallace, program specialist for the World Languages and Global Workforce Initiatives for the state department.

Along with 20 volunteer service hours with a global focus, Verboncoeur was required to complete eight courses with an international focus.

Of those eight courses, at least three credits had to be in the same world languages and/or English as a Second Language, and four other credit must be determined to have an international focus.

Verboncoeur also had to complete four extracurricular activities with global themes, such as programs, language clubs or travel abroad.

“Once these course requirements and volunteer hours have been met, students may submit an application for permission to begin the final capstone project,” Hollandsworth said. “The capstone presentation is an overall reflection piece on how the service activities, extracurricular events and courses in which the students have participated in have molded them into culturally aware, globally competent, internationally minded young adults.”

Hollandsworth also said the capstone should include how these experiences will impact the student’s future.