A person who has graduated from high school is commonly referred to as an alum, or more formally, an alumnus (for a male graduate) or an alumna (for a female graduate). Collectively, all former students or graduates of a school, college, or university are known as alumni.
Understanding the Terminology for Graduates
The terms used to describe individuals who have completed their studies at an educational institution, including high school, have specific meanings rooted in Latin. These terms acknowledge their status as former students who have successfully earned a diploma or degree.
- Alumni refers to the plural group of former students or graduates of a school, college, or university. It is often used as a gender-neutral plural.
- Alumnus (pronounced: uh-LUM-nus) is the singular form specifically for a male graduate.
- Alumna (pronounced: uh-LUM-nuh) is the singular form specifically for a female graduate.
- Alumnae (pronounced: uh-LUM-nee) is the plural form sometimes used specifically for groups of female graduates.
- Alum (pronounced: uh-LUM) is a widely accepted, informal, and gender-neutral singular alternative to alumnus or alumna.
- Alums or Alumns are informal, gender-neutral plural alternatives to alumni.
These terms highlight the enduring connection between the individual and their educational institution, regardless of the level of schooling.
Breakdown of Graduate Terms
To clarify the usage, here's a quick reference:
| Term | Gender | Number | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alumnus | Male | Singular | "He is an alumnus of Northwood High School." |
| Alumna | Female | Singular | "She is an alumna of Lakeside Academy." |
| Alum | Neutral | Singular | "I'm an alum from the class of 2020." |
| Alumni | Neutral | Plural | "The alumni gathered for the reunion." |
| Alumnae | Female | Plural | "The alumnae committee organized the event." |
| Alums | Neutral | Plural | "Many alums returned for the homecoming game." |
The Role and Significance of High School Alumni
Being an alum extends beyond simply having graduated; it implies a continued affiliation and often a sense of belonging to the school community. High school alumni often play a vital role in supporting their alma mater and fellow graduates.
Why Alumni Connections Matter:
- Networking Opportunities: Alumni networks provide valuable connections for career development, mentorship, and professional growth. Graduates can connect with others who share a common educational background.
- Mentorship and Guidance: Older alumni can offer guidance and advice to recent graduates or current students, sharing experiences in college applications, career paths, and life transitions.
- School Support: Many alumni contribute to their high school through donations, volunteering, or participating in school events, helping to fund programs, scholarships, or facility improvements. You can often find information on how to get involved on school websites, such as those found on lists of top public high schools.
- Community Building: Alumni associations foster a sense of community, organizing reunions, social events, and fundraisers that keep graduates connected to each other and to the school.
Maintaining a connection with one's high school and its alumni network can offer lifelong benefits, fostering both personal and professional growth.
Other Common Ways to Refer to High School Graduates
While "alum" and "alumni" are the precise terms, people also use simpler language in everyday conversation:
- Graduate: This is a very common and straightforward term. For example, "She is a high school graduate."
- Former Student: This term is broader and applies to anyone who attended the school, regardless of graduation status, but it can be used to describe graduates in certain contexts.
- Diploma Holder: This highlights the achievement of receiving the high school diploma.
These terms are generally understood, but for formal contexts or when emphasizing the lifelong affiliation with the institution, the terms alumnus, alumna, or alum are more appropriate. Staying connected to your high school, like many educational institutions, can be a rewarding experience.
