JAY — Jay High School’s graduating class of almost 80 students has collectively earned more than $1.3 million in scholarships.
GALLERY: Photos from the 2016 Jay High School graduation ceremony>
Such an accomplishment could be a school record, according to Assistant Principal Carlisle Griffin. What’s certain is the hard work of this year’s graduating class, Griffin said.
“With that $1.3 million, you also have to consider the numbers to receive (Florida) Bright Futures eligibility have gotten much higher and the qualifications are much more than what they used to be,” Griffin said. “So our students are meeting those (qualifications) and excelling.”
Griffin praised students’ involvement in various programs.
“You have students that are involved in our Future Farmers of America program to students that have been involved in our health opportunities academy and will graduate with that certification,” she said.
Many of these students have received insight and certification with industrial skills, like welding and automotive repair with the support of Locklin Tech.
Like Jay’s previous graduating classes, most of the students are familiar with each other.
“Most have started together since they went to school with each other in kindergarten next door and they have followed each other for the past 13 years,” Griffin said.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Class of 2016: Jay High School graduates earn more than $1.3 million in scholarships (VIDEO, PHOTOS)