The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

February 28, 2009

News magazine lists best W.Va. high schools

Meadow Bridge, Nicholas County, Wyoming East make national cut

By Jackie Ayres

U.S. News and World Report’s list of America’s Best High Schools has been released for 2009.

Three southern West Virginia high schools received a nod and were accorded a bronze star by the reputable magazine.

Meadow Bridge, Nich-olas County and Wyoming East high schools were named Bronze Medal Schools.

The magazine teamed up with analysts from School Evaluation Services to develop an innovative methodology to determine how well high schools serve all students, not just those that perform at the top of their class.

The America’s Best High Schools project identifies the country’s top-performing high schools, the magazine says.

“The goal is to provide a clear, unbiased picture of how well public schools serve all of their students — from the highest-achieving to the lowest-achieving — in preparing them to demonstrate proficiency in basic skills as well as readiness for college-level work.”

Meadow Bridge principal Al Martine congratulated his students and faculty for being named a top school at an assembly last week.

“I was just elated,” Martine said. “When you couple the fact that Meadow Bridge High School had a 92 percent graduation rate last year and 65 percent of our students went on to further their education in a four- or two-year program, I think that has a lot to do with how we were rated.”

Martine said he’s so humbled and proud of his students and faculty.

Nicholas County principal Pat Metheney said she was shocked when she saw her school’s name on the list.

“I started to click out of it when I saw it on the Web site when I read our name. I said to myself, ‘Is there another Nicholas County High School?’”

She had to look at the address of the school to realize it was indeed Nicholas County High School in West Virginia.

“I thought, ‘Shame on me,’” Metheney said.

“We must be doing something right. I’m just so excited for the kids,” she said.

“We’re thrilled and delighted to be in the top 10. I think the parents and the community rally to support the high school both academically and athletically.”

Metheney said she had to hold back tears when announcing the award over the school’s intercom.

Wyoming East principal Barry Smith said this is the second year the magazine has named his high school one of America’s best.

“I’m very proud of our students and staff for accomplishing this prestigious award. This shows that our school is meeting the needs of our students, and it’s nice to be recognized nationally,” he said.

Morgantown High School was the only school in the state to receive a silver medal in this year’s rankings.

More than 21,000 schools in 48 states were analyzed for this years rankings.

— E-mail: jayres@register-herald.com

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