This article was published in the Herald-Tribune on August 21, 2019

Booker Middle School has been recognized as a top school for students of all backgrounds who want to attend college. CFES (College For Every Student) Brilliant Pathways has named Booker a “CFES Brilliant Pathways School of Distinction,” based on students’ performance during the 2018-19 school year, according to a press release from the Sarasota County School District.

CFES programs introduce college and career readiness programs and helps families map out a student’s goals for life after graduation. The program partners students with mentors, provides training for educators and helps “demystify the path to college,” according to the organization’s webpage.

“Booker Middle School continues to receive high praise for the exemplary plan they have developed and executed for their CFES Scholars, a plan that immerses the entire school in the CFES core practices of Mentoring, Essential Skills and Pathways,” the district’s release stated.

School Principal LaShawn Frost said the teachers and administrators at the school were thrilled to have been selected for the recognition.

“We are overjoyed to be chosen as a CFES Brilliant Pathways School of Distinction,” Frost said. “Our team delivers exemplary, results-driven learning experiences to all of our students each day. The CFES Scholars program continues to challenge Booker Middle’s students to grow and thrive, preparing them for college and career excellence. I am extremely proud of our brilliant students, and look forward to seeing the indelible impact they have on our world.”