Local High School receives State Recognition

The Mississippi Department of Education, MDE, announced four local schools that received the 2022 college success award. Twin States News spoke with West Lauderdale High School on the recognition.

West Lauderdale Principal, Shane Rodgers, shares what he believes sets the school apart from others:

"We do a lot of focus on ACT prep that is pertinent to them being ready for college. So, preparing our students in that area helps them perform well once they leave here."

Graduation coach, April Luke, says the school begins to prep students for college as early as 9th grade.

"Well, picking them up in the ninth grade helps us to gain that relationship with them," said Luke. "Then when we talk to them periodically throughout the school year, we're a familiar person to them."

Students, faculty, and staff of West Lauderdale all have a common goal in mind when it comes to college success:

"Here at West Lauderdale, we are all on board to ensure that all our students succeed. If anybody's struggling or if any student is having trouble, we're able to come together, and we're able to work together as a team; so that we make sure that students don't get to senior year and they're missing something, or they're falling behind", said April Luke.

Principal Rodgers believes in helping students find a career path and a passion.

"I think when kids get in that direction to where they are doing something that they are passionate about, something they want to do in life, they are more susceptible to being able to succeed. So, we try to help them pick career paths in areas that fit them best as an individual."

West Lauderdale High School graduated roughly 140 students last year.

Enterprise High School, Neshoba Central High School, and Northeast High School were also recognized with the College Success award by MDE.