Press Releases

Stranahan High School Named One of America's Most Improved High Schools by the College Board

05/10/07

FT. LAUDERDALE, FLA.—Stranahan High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has been selected as one of three outstanding high schools nationwide to be named a College Board 2007 Inspiration Award winner.

Gov. Charlie Crist said, "Congratulations to the faculty and students at Stranahan High School in Ft. Lauderdale for garnering national recognition and receiving the College Board's 2007 Inspiration Award.  Stranahan High School can serve as a model school for Florida's schools and for teachers and students across America."

The Inspiration Awards honor those high schools that initiate unique programs and create partnerships among teachers, parents, community organizations, and local businesses to help more students pursue a college education. Each winning school receives a $25,000 award, and each of four honorable mention schools receives $1,000 to apply toward programs that encourage students to attend college.

"Encouraging our children to pursue an education beyond high school is one of the most important things we can do for them," said Florida Commissioner of Education Jeanine Blomberg. "Stranahan High School does this on a remarkable level and should be congratulated for such a lasting commitment to their students' futures."

College Board President Gaston Caperton will present the award at an assembly at the school on May 10 at 1:20 p.m. ET.

"The College Board is honored to recognize these exemplary schools that inspire their students to work toward college success despite economic challenges," said Caperton. "These dedicated administrators, teachers, and community leaders go above and beyond to set remarkably high expectations for all their students and provide exceptional academic opportunities."

The two other 2007 College Board Inspiration Award winners are: Denbigh High School in Newport News, Va., which received its award at an assembly on April 20, and G.W. Brackenridge in San Antonio, Tex., which received its award on May 2.

Remarking on the Inspiration Award winners, U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings said, "In today's competitive economy, a college education is becoming a necessity. Schools like these should be commended for helping more students achieve and pursue higher education. They're setting a great example for other schools—proving that hard work and high expectations help students succeed."

About Stranahan High School

Stranahan High School is a diverse school of more than 1,750 students, with 88 percent from minority backgrounds and 57 percent who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Yet these challenges have not stopped the second oldest high school in Broward County. Almost 25 percent of Stranahan's students took an AP^® Exam in 2006, with 720 exams scheduled to be administered this May.

Stranahan encourages a college-going mind-set among its students early on. Through its DragonFest, a schoolwide weekly advisory, students learn about college guidelines and postsecondary education. Created and guided by teachers, this program encourages excellence with a goal of successful transitions. Stranahan also participates in Broward County's Urban Teacher Academy Program (UTAP), designed to prepare high school students for careers in education and to support them as they enroll in postsecondary education with the goal of becoming urban school teachers in their own communities.

Stranahan's small learning communities also promote opportunities for students to be exposed to the world of work and careers with frequent internships at local businesses and hospitals. Stranahan's ninth-grade academy, known as the Community Career Research, Exploration, and Successful Transition (CREST), was created to help ninth-graders successfully transition to high school while exploring careers.

Awards Reflect Importance of Access to Higher Education

"The 2007 Inspiration Award winners are models of excellence with proven success in closing the achievement gap. They are an inspiration to all those working hard to provide the opportunity of college success to all students," said Caperton.

A distinguished panel of Inspiration Award judges selected this year's winners based on the school's success in increasing the number of students (from all school demographic groups) being prepared for college. The 2007 Inspiration Award judges were:

• Brian Cashman, general manager of the New York Yankees
• Edwidge Danticat, Miami-based writer
• Sarah Jones, playwright, actor, and poet
• Randy Siegel, publisher of PARADE magazine
• Chauncey Veatch, 2002 National Teacher of the Year

College preparedness gains were measured based on a variety of factors, including the percentage of students taking college-preparatory core curriculum courses; the percentage of students accepted at two- or four-year colleges; and growth in student participation in rigorous classes such as AP, International Baccalaureate, or other honors programs. Beyond meeting basic eligibility requirements, the Inspiration Award–winning schools were selected for their innovative ability to inspire student success.

The following schools are recipients of the College Board 2007 Inspiration Award Honorable Mention and each school has received a $1,000 award:

• Edinburg High School, Edinburg, Tex.
• Hogan Preparatory Academy, Kansas City, Mo.
• Paramount High School Senior Campus, Paramount, Calif.
• Eastside College Preparatory School, East Palo Alto, Calif.

More information about the College Board Inspiration Awards is available at www.collegeboard.com/inspirationawards.

The College Board: Connecting Students to College Success

The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the association is composed of more than 5,200 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves seven million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,500 colleges through major programs and services in college admissions, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its best-known programs are the SAT^®, the PSAT/NMSQT^®, and the Advanced Placement Program^® (AP^®). The College Board is committed to the principles of excellence and equity, and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities, and concerns.

For more information, please contact the Public Affairs office at (212) 713-8052.