College Board President Gaston Caperton, shown with students Jose Umanzor-Alvarez and Tsion Tsegaye, presented Wakefield High School with the board's Inspiration Award during a May 3 assembly.
Wakefield was chosen as one of only three schools in the country to win the prestigious prize, which honors schools that initiate programs and create partnerships among teachers, parents, community organizations, and local businesses to help students pursue a college education.
Through its innovative AP Network, Wakefield has been able to increase the number of students enrolled in advanced courses. The school has also established a co-hort program to provide minority students with the tools necessary to succeed in these rigorous courses.
During the assembly Caperton gave Wakefield a $25,000 check to help expand its AP Network program. The other 2006 winners are high schools in Tyler, Texas, and Hobbs, N.M.