Certificates were awarded to 31 Houston High School students at a recent luncheon meeting of the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce after selection to the Show-Me Scholars Initiative.
Audie Cline of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce made the presentation to students who qualified for the program in its first year at the Houston Schools. The Houston district is one of four pilot schools selected to participate. The announcement of the school’s inclusion came in May 2007. Since then, Jennings has dropped out of the program. The other two participating are Rockwood and Mexico, Mo.
Through the initiative, business volunteers visit classrooms to give students real-world examples of how taking advanced classes such as physics and algebra II can prepare them for life after high school, whether they enter the workforce, attend college or join the military. Volunteers encourage the students to complete the rigorous course of study throughout their high school careers through recognition and incentives.
Mentors for Houston’s program are Joleen Durham, TCMH; Julie Wood, Texas County Mutual Insurance; and Rick Vermillion, KUNQ.
“The Show-Me Scholars Initiative is a low-cost, high-impact, community-based program to motivate more students in the state to succeed in a challenging course of study in high school,” said Daniel P. Mehan, Missouri Chamber president and CEO. The state program is modeled after a national education program called the State Scholars Initiative.
Houston students recognized were: Kelsi Adey, Kristina Barton, Urooge Boda, Lainey Casper, Michael Castleman, Jerry Chapman, Paulette Chernowsky, Kody Cross, Shaun Cross, Nikki Elledge, Daniel Floyd, Tiffany Frock, Mariah Gaither, Kaci Gray, Bethany Holden, Kyle Jacobs, Alex Kell, Bethany Korte, MiNya Maddox, Kaleb Poynter, Breonna Richards, Cory Scheets, Shy Schultz, Michael Shea, Trevor Sigman, Ginnipher Sisco, Tessa Stewart, Jeffrey Sudduth, Mary Sybert, Kristen Wetzel, Devin Willson and Sydney Wilson.Show-Me Scholars’ course of study includes English, 1-4; algebra I, geometry and algebra II; biology, chemistry and physics; social studies chosen from U.S. and world history, geography, economics and government and languages other than English. Additional expectations are to complete 20 hours of community service, earn at least a “C” in all Show-Me Scholars classes, finish the state’s requirements for a high school diploma, maintain attendance requirements of the district and stay out of trouble. Students who violate the Missouri Safe Schools Act cannot participate in the program.
In addition to recognition, Show-Me Scholars have more choices available following graduation for better jobs, financial aid and scholarships. Many businesses offer added bonuses to scholars who stay on track during their four years of high school and offer rewards including discount cards, school privileges and promotional items.