Isaiah Page spent a portion of his afternoon focusing on English and clarity — something he’ll be tested on in the future.
After graduating from Clinton High School, the student-athlete wants to attend Clemson University and major in sports management. But achievements on tests such as the ACT come first. He’s one of many juniors at Clinton High School taking advantage of the ACT Boot Camp program at Clinton High School. For two weeks, he’s been involved in the program.
“It’s helping me with things I didn’t understand about English and even math,” Page said. “It’s helping me with terms that I did not know.”
The boot camp is assisting students such as Isaiah prepare for the test. It’s one of the reasons Clinton High School received a big honor.
Clinton High School recently earned the College and Career Transition Award for the boot camp and other efforts such as applying for scholarships. They are the only high school in the state to receive the honor.
“It’s an entire school endeavor from the classroom through the students services,” said College Adviser Toni Blount. “The students have to be prepared academically. We provide them with all the resources for college access then magic happens.”
Principal Dr. Steven Miller said the ACT preparation is a part of the “big four,” which also includes biology, English and math.
“It’s awesome,” Miller said about the recognition. “We have a great team.”
During the camp, Miller said about six rooms are filled with more than 25 students each.
“You’re talking about the entire junior class …,” Miller said with the exception of a couple of students who are absent, every now and then. “That’s amazing to have that entire junior class come here and work on that.”
State Superintendent June Atkinson recently announced the 2016 ACT College and Career Readiness Campaign honorees for North Carolina. It celebrated achievements and created awareness around goals to prepare students for the future. The national campaign recognizes exemplary college and career readiness efforts by employers, community colleges, high schools and students in participating in states.
College advisers encourage juniors and seniors to take the SAT and ACT at least twice and conducts the ACT Boot Camp by using Study Island and College Foundation of NC tutorials and lessons. Students are required to spend a set amount of hours on topics such as reading comprehension, writing, math and science.
“Ideally, the more time that our students spend in preparation for these college entrance tests, the better they do,” Blount said in regards to having more exposure and practice to yield better results.
Principal Dr. Steven Miller said the ACT preparation is a part of the “big four,” which includes biology, English and math.
“It’s awesome,” Miller said about the recognition. “We have a great team.”
At CHS, school leaders focus on college readiness, community service ACT and SAT preparation, college applications, mock interviews, resume development, admissions essay assistance, NCAA eligibility workshops, scholarship applications and financial aid awareness.
In addition to advising the school runs a website titled, College Central and College Gear Up day in August to teach students how to plan, apply, and pay for college. Admission officers attend the event with seniors and parents. Also CHS celebrates National College Colors Day in August and National Signing Day for college decisions.
A popular club, Juntos, works with Hispanic students and parents on the college and career process. Also, CHS offers a program for Native Americans students by using a liaison who works with middle and high school students from the Coharie Tribal Council.
Since many endeavors began more than three years ago, the scholarship amounts have increased from $700,000 to more than $3.5 million and the rate of university and community college acceptance has increased by 15 percent.
According to a news release from school officials, the campaign culminates in the ACT National Gala for College and Career Readiness in Washington, D.C. in June. Scott Montgomery, ACT vice president for policy, advocacy, and government relations, said the campaign continues to grow.
“We are proud to recognize the notable achievements of the student, educators, and employers who lead exceptional efforts to improve their schools and workplaces ever day,” Montgomery said.
At Clinton High School, students are also involved in the process of making sure their younger peers excel too.
Seniors and Beta Club members Nicole Spell and Kensley Sutton help with the ACT preparation, by offering mentoring and support to their peers.
“I think it’s a good experience for students to figure out what the ACT is actually like,” Spell said. “They get to understand the concepts and ideas.”
Spell said the boot camp was a good experience for her and prepared her for the actual test.
“When I saw the test, I was able to do better than I thought I would,” Spell said.
Last year, Sutton benefited from a similar experience.
“After doing it last year, it gives you a preview of what’s on the ACT,” Sutton said. “For people who’ve never taken a standardized test, it sets you up for when you go and sit in their for a couple of hours on a Saturday, it’s not too overwhelming.”
