Decision Day Events celebrate Success of FBISD Seniors

PTM Coaching & Consulting was recently highlighted by the Fort Bend ISD for contributing an e-reader and personal computer to two graduating seniors.

FORT BEND ISD - Graduating Fort Bend ISD seniors of the Class of 2014 are in great demand as evident by the increasing amount of academic and athletic scholarships offered to the outstanding scholars this year. As of June 5, FBISD seniors have earned more than $90 million in scholarships, which is more than double last year’s reported amount of $42 million.

To celebrate the success of seniors, FBISD Career and College Readiness (CCR) Advisors held campus Decision Day events and other programs to recognize seniors on being accepted into colleges, universities, branches of the military and trade schools.

Willowridge High School’s event kicked off with a spirited pep rally featuring the school band and cheerleaders. Guest speakers, retired NBA player and WHS graduate T.J. Ford, and FBISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Charles Dupre, congratulated the seniors and encouraged them to continue working toward their goals knowing that they can be achieved with hard work, dedication and sacrifice. Principal Joe Chandler also joined AVID teacher Willie Yarber in presenting the seniors with t-shirts celebrating their decision to attend college. More than 94 percent of WHS seniors have been accepted to institutes of higher learning.

To acknowledge and reward graduating seniors for receiving college/university acceptance letters, Travis High School implemented an “Accepted” Program to honor seniors who show copies of their acceptance letters with a specially-designed t-shirt. At Travis, 99 percent of all seniors have been accepted into a two-year or four-year institution, the military or trade school. Along one of the main hallways, the school displays various colleges and universities with the names of seniors accepted into each. Travis’ motto is “Preparing today for the opportunities of tomorrow. #TheTravisWay.”

At Kempner High School, CCR Advisor Lisa Campbell invited guest speakers to the campus to speak to students about their college experiences and offer advice on making a smooth transition from high school to college. The seniors were excited to hear from Kempner graduates Kaleigh Treiber (Sam Houston State University sophomore), Waqaar Diwan (University of Houston graduate and current medical student), and Nnambi Ifemedebe (University of Texas graduate).

Elkins High School CCR Advisor Narietha Carter-McClain hosted a Class of 2014 Senior Breakfast to honor all scholars who are college and career ready. One of the highlights of the event was a prize drawing of a laptop, tablet and printer. Elkins thanks Rick Ellstrom of Raising Canes, and business owners Charles and Abbie Adaway for sponsoring the event.

The College Decision Day event at Austin High School was well worth the wait for graduating seniors who attended. Spearheaded by CCR Advisor Laura Jeffery, the event began with seniors entering the gym in a parade of college banners. College/university pendants were also displayed throughout the gym. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Charles Dupre congratulated seniors on their accomplishments and reminded them of the exciting journey that lies ahead of them. Deejays from 97.9 The Box FM Radio provided music for the event and Houston Texans cheerleaders entertained the crowd before joining staff in distributing prizes.

While celebrating the senior class accomplishments, Ridge Point High School CCR Advisor Katherine Braucht also focused on juniors by inviting them to attend a College 101 program designed to help them begin the college search process and complete sections of their college applications by the end of this school year. By taking part in the program, juniors learned how to research colleges based on their career interests, create a resume, and write their own letter of recommendation and college application essay.