Clarkdale: Making high school count'

By By Lynette Wilson / staff writer
Sept. 30, 2002
Freshmen at Clarkdale High School will receive what teachers believe is an important lesson on Tuesday in making the most of their high school experience.
Grade point average will be just one topic covered. The program also talks about study habits and how to make an impact in extracurricular organizations, said Stephanie Ashpaw, Making High School Count regional manager.
Making High School Count was started five years ago by Patrick O'Brien and is based on his best-selling book, "Making College Count." It will reach one million freshmen this fall and the program, sponsored by Monster.com, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Mentos, is free to students and parents.
The program is just one component in a number of activities designed for students at Clarkdale to make the most of their experience. Students at Clarkdale are also required to make a four-year plan, Wright said.
Each year, she said, students take an interest inventory and discuss possible careers and college majors. They also research college scholarship and financial aid opportunities.
Wright said responsibility and discipline are important traits for high school students to develop early on.