Your Assignments
In the Summer Graduation Hub, please complete both assignments: I Want to Thank You and Say My Name.
If you cannot complete the assignments using the Forms links below each assignment, you can email your answers to brande.wood@washoeschools.net
Both Due by July 22, 2026
I Want to Thank You - Click here for examples
Write a "Thank You" statement that will be read as you are walking down the aisle with your diploma. This is a nice way for you to thank anyone who believed in you, encouraged you, or helped you get through high school and/or summer school and graduate. It should be short and sweet.
Anyone who does not supply a "Thank You" statement of their own will be issued a generic one, such as "I want to thank the people who encouraged me to graduate."
Please open the attached "Thank You Examples" document if you need some ideas. Think of family members, friends, loved ones, teachers, counselors, school staff...
Submit your answer using Forms here - I Want to Thank You
If you prefer, you can email your answer to brande.wood@washoeschools.net
***If you have family/guests that only speak Spanish, please write your Thank You Statement in English and in Spanish (both). The Announcer will read both for you!
Say My Name - Click here for examples
Submit the phonetic pronunciation of your name - how it SOUNDS, not how it is spelled. Do this so the announcer says it correctly at graduation! Write your name the way it sounds when spoken out loud.
Submit your answer using Forms here - Say My Name
Instructions if you prefer to email your answer to brande.wood@washoeschools.net
Step 1: Say Your Name Out Loud
Say your first name, middle name, and last name(s) slowly, the way you want them read at graduation. Please keep it to no more than four names – you may have to leave out some middle names.
Step 2: Break Your Name into Parts (Syllables)
A syllable is a “beat” in your name. Separate each syllable with a hyphen “-“ (one vowel sound per syllable).
Examples:
- Juan Carlos → Juan Car-los
- Maria Fernandez → Ma-ri-a Fer-nan-dez
- Roberto Villanueva → Ro-ber-to Vill-a-nu-e-va
Step 3: Spell Each Part the Way It Sounds
Do NOT worry about correct spelling. This is about how it SOUNDS. Write each syllable the way it sounds. When possible, use a common English word.
Examples:
- Juan Carlos → hwan car-lows
- Maria Fernandez → ma-Ree-ah fer-nan-dez
- Roberto Villanueva → row-bear-toe vee-yah-nu-eh-vah
Step 4: Show Which Part Is Strongest
One syllable is usually emphasized - said louder or clearer. Put that syllable in ALL CAPS.
Examples:
- Juan Carlos → Hwan CAR-lows
- Maria Fernandez → ma-REE-ah fer-NAN-dez
- Roberto Villanueva → row-BEAR-toe VEE-yah-nu-EH-vah
Alternate Method
Please keep it to no more than four names – you may have to leave out some middle names.
Ask AI, CoPilot or Google or ChatGPT. Copy and paste the following sentence into your favorite AI: “My name is (insert your full name here). Please write my name out in simple, everyday English sounds or words (not phonetic symbols), using syllables or stress cues if helpful, so an English‑speaking reader can sound it out correctly.”
Final Check ✅
Before turning it in:
- ✅ Is your name written how it sounds?
- ✅ Are syllables separated with hyphens?
- ✅ Is the stressed syllable in ALL CAPS?
If yes, thank you! You’ve helped make your graduation better!