School honored for achieving 100 percent graduation rate
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on September 26, 2013 1:46 PM
Wayne Early/Middle College High School has again distinguished itself by having a 100 percent graduation rate, and Monday was among 10 school districts and 36 high schools across the state to be recognized for the accomplishment.
This is the fourth year the school was included in the category.
To be eligible for the award, schools must have been open for at last four years.
WEMCH was added to Wayne County Public Schools' roster in 2006. Its first four-year class to graduate was in 2011. With the exception of one year since its inception, the school has maintained a 100 percent graduation rate.
Located on the Wayne Community College, students are able to attend college classes for credit while completing their high school requirements in a smaller setting. At graduation time, impressive numbers simultaneously receive both high school and two-year college diplomas.
The high school initially opened with 63 juniors and seniors, adding a freshman class the following year. Its current enrollment is over 270.
At ceremonies in Durham on Monday afternoon, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction announced the list of schools earning the status for the 2011-12 school year.
Representing WCPS were Dr. Steven Taylor, superintendent, WEMCH Principal Lee Johnson and Board of Education member Eddie Radford.
State Superintendent June Atkinson said the honor is even more impressive considering the current economic climate and more stringent standards being placed on schools.
"Last year, our statewide graduation rate increased to 82.5 percent while students and teachers transitioned to new state standards and assessments and many schools faced significant financial changes," she said. "This outstanding accomplishment is a testament to the high quality teachers and school leaders we are fortunate to have in our schools."
The district's graduation rate, which measures the percentage of ninth-graders who graduate from high school within four years, was 77.6 percent.