On July 1, 2009, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 202/S.L. 2009-451, thus ending the graduation requirements for the North Carolina Competency and Computer Skills Tests. 
    If you were enrolled in a graduating class from 1981 through 2009 and met all State and local board requirements for a diploma except for passing the competency test(s) and or computer skills test(s), then you may petition the local district for a diploma.   
    If you last attended school in Pender County, you can contact Pender County Schools Central Office to obtain a copy of your high school transcript. You will need to present school personnel proof of your identity. Take with you a valid picture ID (such as your driver’s license), your Social Security number, and your current address and contact information. 
    After you have contacted Pender County Schools Central Office, school personnel will check to ensure that you have earned credit in all courses required for graduation at the time that your diploma was withheld because of a testing deficiency. Following their review, you will be contacted to let you know if you qualify for a diploma or if your petition has been denied. Please allow up to 30 business days to process your request.  Please submit your request by December 30, 2009.  
    We hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Cheryl James at the Pender County Board of Education, 259-2187.