Posted: 12/20/2011
Last Updated: 11 hours and 44 minutes ago
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. - They are two students among hundreds at Hudson High School. And they both take responsibility for falling behind as freshman.
"I have no one else to blame but myself," said senior Victoria Santacroce.
Santacroce didn't want to dress out for PE and Matt France struggled with math. Both stopped going to class.
"I was very stubborn," said France.
But the two are now back on schedule and headed toward a diploma. They says it's because of the graduation enhancement program taught by Teresa Caraker.
Students who are behind are identified, then they use an online system to get the credits they need.
"It's not just a matter of sitting on the computer and getting it done. You really need someone to support the student and help them get through the process," said Caraker.
There's been improvement all around Pasco County. But none bigger then at Hudson High School. Graduation rates went from 70% to 85% in just one year.
"We get so bogged down in the numbers. And this year we had great numbers. But really it what's behind it are the students lives that were changed and impacted by what we were able to provide for them," said Caraker.
In the last four years, Pasco County high schools have boosted graduation rates almost 18%.
France says the graduation enhancement program changed his life.
"So many people thought I couldn't do it. The greatest feeling is proving everyone wrong."
Both Matt and Victoria have big plans. Both want to be business owners. Matt in agriculture and Victoria in cosmetology.
And it's a lot more realistic with a high school diploma.
