The Caldwell County Career Center Middle College receives recognition as one of 10 schools in the state for having 100 percent graduation rate in 2009-10 and gained statewide acclaim and membership into the "North Carolina 100 Percent Club" announced by State Superintendent June Atkinson during a special ceremony in Raleigh.

"From beautiful western North Carolina, we congratulate the Caldwell County Career Center Middle College for reaching 100 percent graduation rate," said State Superintendent June Atkinson during the special awards presentation. "You in this room represent the pockets of excellence in the high school graduation rate."

At the annual event, State officials recognized the Top 10 North Carolina school districts and 21 high schools for having the highest four-year cohort graduation rates in North Carolina for the 2009-10 year. The celebration is held to highlight the importance of high school graduation for all students and to congratulate districts and schools for their notable accomplishments.

Governor Bev Perdue, who spoke at the event, said that the Caldwell County Schools and all districts being honored are superstars. "You're the heroes of North Carolina," said Governor Perdue. "You've saved a kid's life, opened up a future for a family and helped sustain the vitality of North Carolina"

Caldwell Career Center Middle College Principal Bill Schreiber, accompanied by Superintendent Dr. Steve Stone and School Board Chairman Dr. Helen Hall, received the plaque recognizing the highest level of achievement in graduation rate. "The 100 percent graduation rate is a testament to the collaborative spirit of community at the Career Center," said Principal Bill Schreiber.

Mr. Schreiber said that he and his staff focus on three main areas: Relationships with Students, Reengineering the Curriculum and Responsibility for all Students.  "Relationship-building is the top priority in the school," said Principal Bill Schreiber. "When students feel like you care, then the academics come."

The school also reengineered the curriculum delivery last school year, meaning that standard courses have been incorporated into Career Technical Engineering coursework resulting in more project-based, relevant learning. "The third piece, or responsibility for all students, is preparatory for success in the real-world experience -- both for work and personal advancement."

"More than test scores, the graduation rate reflects our ability to keep students engaged in the classroom so they will earn their high school diploma," said School Board Chairman Dr. Helen Hall. "We are pleased with the improved graduation rate in Caldwell County, but not satisfied until it shows 100 percent across the district."

Overall, the Caldwell County Schools improved its graduation rate from 68.47 percent in 2007-08 to 73.8 percent in 2009-10. North Carolina's statewide four-year cohort graduation rate for 2009-10 is 74.2 percent. This rate has improved each year since 2006 when North Carolina reported its first measurement of a cohort graduation rate and is up from 2008-09 when it was 71.8 percent.

About the Caldwell Career Center Middle College

The Caldwell County Career Center Middle College is a magnet high school located on the Caldwell Community College campus. The school opened in 1999 as a half-day program teaching specific career-technical courses directly tied to the local and regional economy. When it opened, the Career Center was the first high school in North Carolina on a college campus. In the fall of 2006, the Caldwell Career Center Middle College became a full-day program, where high school students complete their high school course of study, declare a technical major, earn national industry standard credentials, prepare for postsecondary study, and graduate high school in four years with a diploma and as much as one year of college credit toward their two-year degree.