Join us in congratulating the remarkable students, counselors, teachers and administrators across the state of Idaho who rose to the Go On Challenge, created a Go On culture, and enhanced opportunities for student success after high school.

Winners demonstrated the most significant improvement over the 2009-2010 school year in one of three categories and were awarded $100,000 to spend as they wish. Schools competed against schools with similar enrollment sizes, and all schools competed for the "most-improved overall" award.

School:	Canyon Ridge High School
Go On Ambassador:	Cari RayBourn
Principal:	Brady Dickinson

Canyon Ridge High opened in the fall of 2009. Since that time, the number of students enrolled in AP classes has doubled and they had 160 students take dual credit classes this semester. This is particularly notable given that over 60% of the student body comes from a low socioeconomic background. Canyon Ridge has worked hard to build a culture where students understand that "high school is not enough." Students know that they are not just striving for success in high school, but success in life as well.

School:	Clark Fork Jr./Sr. High School
Go On Ambassador:	Tom Prez & Phil Kemink
Principal:	Phil Kemink

Clark Fork High saw an increased number of students taking dual credit classes and college entrance exams. The faculty has observed that students are more confident about going on to postsecondary education because of their exposure to college. With the 'Go On' Challenge and other programs at Clark Fork High School, students are increasingly exposed to the message that it is crucial to continue your education beyond high school.

School:	Idaho Distance Education Academy
Go On Ambassador:	Deb Pence
Principal:	Deb Pence

IDEA reignited their efforts to recognize students who are succeeding in 'Go On' level coursework and has created avenues for them to share their stories with other high school students. The school has also partnered with North Idaho College to begin utilizing their IEN connection at the Boise center to offer dual credit courses via video streaming this spring. 70% of their graduating seniors will have earned credits they can take with them to colleges next year.

School:	Kimberly High School
Go On Ambassador:	Debbie Klug
Principal:	Luke Schroeder

To promote the local college fair and Higher Ed Day, everyone in the school district was asked to wear college apparel on those days and spend time promoting going on to higher education. Kimberly High sent numerous mailings to parents encouraging them to have their children take dual credit classes. The school's biggest achievement has been expanding the number of dual credit and tech prep classes offered. Kimberly High is proud to note that most of the students who took dual credit classes enrolled in college immediately after graduating.

School:	Lakeland High School
Go On Ambassador:	Frank Vieira
Principal:	Conrad Underdahl

Lakeland High laid the foundation for a 'Go On' culture by creating new on-campus college courses for dual credit students and emphasizing and promoting PSAT, PLAN, SAT and ACT testing for all students. They've seen a 167% increase in students taking these exams. The school is inspired by a record number of students taking dual credit courses on campus, through the internet, and at North Idaho College.

School:	Madison High School
Go On Ambassador:	Travis Schwab (2010-2011), Elisa Gee
Principal:	Rodger Hampton

Madison High added several new AP and dual credit classes to the school course catalog to allow students the opportunity to challenge themselves while receiving both high school and college credit for their work. The number of students who received Tech Prep credits from Eastern Idaho Technical College (EITC) was amazing. The 'Go On' challenge provided the impetus for the school to align their economics curriculum with that of EITC's economics courses. Since economics is a required course, every senior at their high school will now receive a college credit by the time they graduate.

School:	Notus Jr. Sr. High School
Go On Ambassador:	Lorrie Houston
Principal:	Craig Woods

Notus High School worked closely with CWI to help their teachers get certified to offer dual credit courses. The school district has also built a financial incentive for those who meet the requirements. Students were individually helped to register for the ACT and/or SAT and all 10th graders took the PSAT. Students were recognized on the "Wall of Fame" board and given small rewards following the completion of each test. Notus High increased participation in college entrance exams from 25 students in 2009-2010 to 78 students in 2010-2011. Additionally, 74% of this year's graduates have enrolled in college or the military (summer or fall semester of 2011).

School:	Vallivue High School
Go On Ambassador:	Laurie Wood
Principal:	Richard Brulotte

Vallivue High is very vocal about advocating for dual credit courses. The school believes dual credit courses give students a jumpstart on college and helps them understand that it is feasible and important for them to go on to higher education. The most inspiring achievement has been seeing the number of students going on to college who didn't think it was an option for them. Dustin Wood, a graduate last year, had enough dual credits to cover most of his general education at BYU resulting in about a year and a half of college covered and a $15,000 savings.

$15,000 Grand Prize Winner: Initial Point High School (Kuna)
Go On Ambassador: Tena Spencer
Principal: Lora Seabaugh
Initial Point High School targeted the individual needs of their students. This effort stood out in the minds of the judges. The school's report took top honors because the activities and services were based on actual identified student needs based on interviews. The school recognized challenges and addressed how they might be overcome. There was a significant increase in the number of students who took the ACT during the contest year (31 of 56), completed their FAFSA, and attended college workshops. A one-on-one intake helped students develop goals as well as exposed them to their options beyond high school.


$10,000 Second Prize Winner: Central Academy (Meridian)
Go On Ambassador: Jessica Miles
Principal: Randy Yadon
As part of developing a 'Go On' culture, a host of events were implemented including: 1) Tour of Professional Technical programs available at the Ada Professional-Technical Center and Meridian Technical Charter High School. As a result of this tour, 40 students enrolled in professional-technical programs, a 700% increase over last year. 2) College and career counseling to regularly review progress toward graduation, options after high school, and student goals. 3) Staff Alma Mater Days where faculty and staff wore their college gear two Fridays a month as a conversation starter and to increase awareness of the options available to students.


$5,000 Third Prize Winner: Meridian Academy Go On Ambassador: Joe Palaia
Principal: Barrett Dustin
Meridian Academy has worked diligently for years to create a culture where teachers do not teach or believe that at-risk youth should expect less from life. It is a constant battle because students need regular reminders that they can and will be positive contributors to their communities. Key activities implemented to help students 'go on' include: 1) Every quarter Meridian Academy held a parent/teacher conference to increase communication with parents and provide information regarding how to complete financial aid forms, apply to college, and learn about college requirements. 2) Students completed service projects throughout the year to learn how to be civically responsible and give back to the community. 3) Juniors toured the CWI campus to explore areas of study and specifically professional-technical courses. 4) Meridian Academy co-hosted a 'Higher Education Days' event with another academy.