RHS earns School of Distinction recognition
Russellville High School is starting 2018 off on a high note. At the beginning of January, the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools selected RHS as a 2017 CLAS School of Distinction.
According to CLAS executive director Paul Wilson, this award recognizes schools or programs that serve as outstanding educational models for other schools in Alabama.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the students and teachers at RHS whose hard work has no doubt made such a prestigious achievement possible,” Principal Jason Goodwin said. “Being recognized as a CLAS School of Distinction is a tremendous honor, as it places Russellville High School on a level with the most accomplished schools and systems in the state.”
Wilson said 107 schools or program were nominated this year. Twenty-four were chosen, and Russellville is one of three in District 7.
Wilson said after schools were nominated, each had to submit an application to CLAS about a program they considered exemplary. RHS submitted the College and Career Experience Program.
“It’s for juniors and seniors who are on track to graduate. The purpose is to help meet their needs to become ready for college, a career and life,” explained Natalie Bendall, assistant principal and career tech administrator.
Superintendent Heath Grimes said this honor from CLAS is something everyone in the school system and community should be proud of.
“What we have here in Russellville City Schools is special,” Grimes said. “We have students who are eager to learn; we have teachers who are willing to adapt so they can be as effective as possible; and we have staff who are dedicated to their jobs.”
Feb. 26 the Schools of Distinction will be recognized at a luncheon in Prattville. Before then, RHS has to put together a one-minute video overview of the College and Career Experience Program that will be shown at the luncheon.
“It is truly an honor and just the beginning, as our students continue to show growth in academics and our teachers continue to prepare them for college and/or careers,” Goodwin said. “As education is ever-changing, so are the dynamics through which schools and systems are held accountable. The events that have led to the recent accolades we have received have required the ability of our students and teachers to change and adapt. As most any student or teacher in the halls of Russellville High School would agree, not many things have remained constant in the past few years. With change usually comes difficulty, but the faculty, staff, and students have worked through numerous situations while keeping the focus on what is best for our students and adjusting when things do not go as expected.”
Goodwin said it is difficult to describe in words the excitement he has experienced in watching RCS students grow and begin to reach their potential.
“Russellville is truly a special place to receive an education right now, and I look forward to what the future holds.”
At the Feb. 26 luncheon, the CLAS Banner School from each State Board District will be announced.
