On Nov. 29, 2007, US News and World Report published the results of a study in which they evaluated 18,790 high schools nationwide and identified Lower Lake High School as "performing better than statistically expected for the average student in their state."

US News used a rigorous three-step analysis of data from the 2005-2006 school year in a formula developed by Standard and Poor's Schools Evaluation Services. The key principles of this study were that a "great high school must serve all its students well, not just those who are bound for college" and that a school must have "measurable academic outcomes that show the school is successfully educating its student body across a range of performance indicators."

Nationwide, US News identified 100 high schools at the gold level, 405 at the silver level and 1,086 at the bronze level. Lower Lake High School received a bronze award. It is the only high school in Lake County to receive recognition.

In education, it is a common assumption that demographics are destiny. Statistically, across California and the nation, schools which serve poor and minority students have lower levels of achievement. Yet here we see that Lower Lake High School is receiving national recognition for beating those odds.

In the past few years the achievements of Lower Lake High School students have been notable in many areas. In both 2007 and 2006, the Academic Decathlon team competed at state level. Last year, the football and volleyball teams were league champions. In statewide SkillsUSA competitions, Lower Lake High School vocational education students have consistently won gold, silver and bronze medals. It is clear that Lower Lake High School serves its students well.

The parents and community of the Konocti Unified School District can be rightfully proud of the staff and students at Lower Lake High School. It is the hard work, high expectations and dedication of teachers and staff, and the positive response of students, which made this latest award by US News possible. It shows that when students are encouraged and supported they can overcome the challenges and barriers of their circumstances.

Please join me in extending appreciation and congratulations to the staff and students of Lower Lake High School. Way to go, Trojans!

 

Carolynn Jarrett is a member of the Konocti Unified School District Board of Trustees. She lives in Clearlake.

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