Employers, colleges and universities are looking for high school graduates who not only completed high school, but proved they have the ability to apply the extra effort needed to succeed in a variety of work and educational settings. To recognize such graduates, High Schools That Work (HSTW) established the Award of Educational Achievement. This award is given to students at HSTW sites who have demonstrated high academic achievement. Students who qualify for the award receive a personalized award certificate and a letter of congratulations from the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). For more than 10 years, the HSTW Award of Educational Achievement has been used to recognize students at HSTW sites who complete a rigorous high school curriculum and perform at a college- and career-ready level. To earn the award, students must complete a college-preparatory course of study in at least two of three subject areas (English/language arts, mathematics and/or science); complete a concentration in a career/technical area, mathematics/science or the humanities; and meet the readiness goals in all three subject areas on the HSTW Assessment.
Only a small percentage of students who take the assessment each year meet or exceed these high standards and earn an award. Presenting these awards to qualified seniors sends a signal to award recipients, parents and other students at your school that it is important to complete a rigorous high school curriculum and do well in both academic and career/technical classes.
Ten members of the class of 2010 from Bibb County High School have received the High Schools That Work (HSTW) Award of Educational Achievement. High school seniors who have completed a challenging program of study and demonstrated readiness for employment and for college receive this award from the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). Award recipients are Olivia Brown, Kelton Clinner, Kaitlyn Crowe, Lara Henry, Haleigh Hollifield, Jasmine Holman, Andrew Hubbard, Kelli Jenkins, Chase Kornegay, and Shelby Massey. “These students are to be commended for their efforts,” said BCHS principal Mr. Lee VanFleet. “They have taken challenging courses in high school and scored high on rigorous exams and, by doing so; they have increased the likelihood of success in the workplace and further education.”
Bibb County High School ranks first in the number of students earning the award among those schools participating in the ALSII project or school improvement. BCHS also ranks third in the entire state among the schools that participate in the HSTW assessment program.
Students earning this award meet Alabama’s recognized rigorous secondary school programs of study, making students eligible for the Academic Competiveness Grant. American Competitiveness grants of $750 are available to first year, Pell Grant eligible, students. Grants up to $1,300 are available for second-year students. “During the fall of 2007 early in my administration, the HSTW program was implemented,” stated Superintendent Dr. Don Elam. “One of the major goals of HSTW is to transform schools into a learning organization for all students and make teachers key players. After three short years, I am delighted to witness the fruit from the labor of so many. It is rewarding to know that our students are able to stand toe to toe with other students in our state. I congratulate every student, their families, Mr. VanFleet, and the faculty of Bibb County High School.”
The Southern Regional Education Board is a multi-state compact for education, founded in 1948. High Schools That Work, launched in 1987, is the largest high school improvement effort in the United States, with more than 1,100 school sites in 31 states, the District of Columbia, and Calgary, Canada. HSTW is the nation’s largest effort to combine challenging academic and technical achievement. HSTW is based on the belief that students can master complex academic and technical concepts if schools create supportive learning environments that encourage students to make the effort to succeed.
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