Community Leaders, Columbus City Schools Alumni Urge High School Seniors to #ReachHigher with Graduation Rally at Huntington Park
September 17, 2015 -
Aimed at inspiring every high school senior in Columbus City Schools (CCS) to
take charge of their future and reach graduation, an energetic mix of community
leaders, local dignitaries, and several successful CCS graduates are urging the
District’s more than 2,600 high school seniors to #ReachHigher.
The “All Seniors In” Rally at Huntington
Park served as a kickoff to a year-long effort to motivate and support high
school seniors in crossing the finish line at graduation prepared for a future
that includes college, career or the military.
Featuring energizing music and video
messages from successful CCS graduates including professional basketball star
Jared Sullinger, this inaugural graduation celebration at the beginning of the
school year was a collaborative effort of CCS, I Know I Can, and the City of
Columbus.
“The final year of high school can be the
most important and most impactful year in determining a student’s successful
path to graduation and beyond,” said Dr. Dan Good, CCS Superintendent and CEO.
“We want our seniors to be inspired, knowing that there is an entire community
full of supporters who are ready to help them reach the goal of graduation and
launch a lifetime of success.”
"Ensuring educational excellence is
not only the responsibility of our school system. Placing seniors on the
pathway to success is a community effort that the City is fully invested in. We
know that all of us have to be all in so kids in the City of Columbus will
reach higher," said Mayor Michael B. Coleman.
“For over 27 years, I Know I Can has made
the commitment to all Columbus City Schools students, that if they dream big
and work hard, we will help them prepare for and succeed in college! Today is
about celebrating the students, recognizing the significant milestones ahead,
and remaining steadfast in our pledge to ensure their success,” said Tanny
Crane, President and CEO of Crane Group and I Know I Can Board President.
“Increasing high school graduation in our
City helps build a ready workforce that will meet the needs of a 21st century
economy. I encourage all Columbus school children to reach higher to achieve
their goals and build stronger, safer neighborhoods,” added Columbus City
Councilmember Jaiza Page.
The midday rally at Huntington Park was
sponsored by Cardinal Health, The Columbus Chamber, Franklin County Children’s
Services, I Know I Can, and the following colleges and universities: Capital
University, CCAD, Columbus State Community College, Denison University, DeVry
University, Ohio Dominican University, The Ohio State University, Otterbein
University, and Ohio Wesleyan University.
Today’s event is only the start of the
#ReachHigher effort throughout the upcoming school year. This month, seniors
will be given clear sets of goals and checklists of what needs to happen to
ensure that they cross the finish line at graduation.
Additional events will be aimed at keeping
the students motivated and celebrating their steps toward graduation and
beyond, including the District’s second annual College Signing Day in early
May. That’s when many of the District’s academic scholars celebrate signing
commitment letters to attend universities and colleges, similar to student
athletes signing letters to play collegiate sports.
These collaborative efforts tie into the
national Reach Higher initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama to
inspire every student in America to take charge of their future through a
professional training program, a community college, or a four-year university.