Local school districts awarded for outstanding educational work in community

Apply Texas Submission Award

Schools earning The Apply Texas award are recognized for having the highest percentage of seniors who submitted the Texas Common Application. The goal of ApplyTexas is to offer a centralized means for students to apply to the many outstanding Texas universities, community colleges, as well as private schools with one simple step.

The following high schools had 100% participation in the Apply Texas category by their students:

• Cedar Ridge High School, RRISD. Principal Lynette Thomas and Counselor Larrie Colton
• Crockett High School, AISD. Principal Kori Crawford and Counselor Michelle Snyder
• Harmony Public Schools. Principals Engin Dogan, Agil Sharifov, and IIker Yilmaz. Counselors include Aydin Yildirim (head counselor), Christel Sullivan (head counselor), Ayse Tunc (head counselor), Ofelia Arroyo, Mustafa Sungur, Izzetin Aslan, and Rahime Tunc
• KIPP Collegiate High School. Principal James Pasto and Counselor Anthony Salerno

Highest Overall FAFSA Submission Rate

This award goes to schools with the highest percentage of senior class students submitting the FAFSA for the first quarter of 2017.

• Westwood High School, RRISD. Principal Mario Acosta and Counselor Jeff Pugh
• LASA High School, AISD. Principal Stacia Crescenzi and Counselor Jamie Kocian
• KIPP Collegiate High School. Principal James Pasto and Counselor Anthony Salerno

Highest Financial Aid Saturdays Attendance

Hutto High School turned out over 300 students and parents to their financial aid event where families can receive assistance on completing the FAFSA process. Congratulations to Superintendent Dr. Celina Estrada-Tomas, Principal Roy Christian, Counseling Director Shirley Reich, and Lead Counselor Erica Blando.

Highest Senior Survey Participation Rate By Enrollment- Campus

The award is awarded to high schools that accrued the highest rate of participants in the senior surveys conducted in partnership with the UT Ray Marshall Center. The surveys play a crucial role in determining students preparation for college and post-secondary plans.

The winners are:

• Akins High School, AISD. Principal Brandi Hosack and Counselor Sarah Simmons
• LASA High School, AISD. Principal Stacia Crenscenzi and Counselor Jamie Kocian
• Ann Richards High School, AISD. Principal Kristina Waugh and Counselor Eric Heineman

Greatest Improvement in College Readiness – District Wide

• Pflugerville ISD – 43% to 49% (a 6% gain over 2016) – Superintendent Dr. Doug Killian and Director of College and Career Readiness Laura Carlin-Gonzales.

Highest College Readiness Rate– District Wide

• Leander ISD. Superintendent Dr. Dan Troxell and Executive Director of College and Career Pathways Tiffany Spicer

Greatest Improvement in Direct to College Enrollment- Campus

• Hutto High School, HISD. Superintendent Dr. Celina Estrada-Tomas, Principal Roy Christian and Counselors Shirley Reich and Erica Blando
• Eastside Memorial High School, AISD. Principal Miguel Garcia and Counselor Yesica Diaz

Greatest Improvement in Direct to College Enrollment- District Wide

• Hutto ISD. Superintendent Dr. Celina Estrada-Tomas, Principal Roy Christian and Counselors Shirley Reich and Erica Blando

Highest Overall Direct to College Enrollment- Campus

• Ann Richards High School, AISD. Principal Kristina Waugh and Counselor Eric Heineman

APIE College Readiness Award

Over the last decade, the Chamber has invested millions into Austin Partners in Education to tutor graduating seniors who lack college readiness but are committed to an advanced education. We recognize the APIE advocate who has made the greatest impact on individual student college/career readiness rates. This year the award goes to:

• Alicia Stites

*this blog was updated on November 17 to include the correct names of counselors and principals for Harmony Public Schools.