New state law allows former high school students to petition for diploma

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – If you went to high school in Georgia, but didn’t pass the graduation test, you can now get your diploma.

A new state law takes away the required exam. Students had to pass every section of it in order to get their high school diploma. Anyone who entered the ninth grade after July 1st, 1981 and didn’t pass the test can petition for their diploma.

Bibb school officials said they’ve already had more than 200 people fill out a petition.

“For some of our more recent graduates, we have some people who have gone back to take the graduation test numerous times and have not passed it yet. Others who finally gave up on the process, so they’re very excited that they can come back and get their diploma,” Bibb Schools Director of Assessment Lynn James said.

Former student Davonte Mont signed his petition on Tuesday. He’s excited to have a second chance at his education. He said a diploma is a stepping stone to other opportunities.

“You can’t get the employment you want. People look at you like you’re uneducated. You feel uneducated because you feel like you can’t do a simple task that you could if you put your mind to it,” said Mont.

Once a petition is filled out, it could take a few weeks for someone to hear a response. School officials pull old transcripts to make sure the student met all other graduation requirements, like passing core classes.

If you’d like to petition for your diploma, you have to fill it out in the county where you went to high school. You can pick up a form at the Bibb Schools Central Office on Mulberry Street or any high school. You will need a valid state ID.