The following was originally published in the Press-Republican.

ESSEX — A select group of 26 schools from across the U.S and two in Ireland have been recognized by CFES Brilliant Pathways as Schools of Distinction for their exemplary efforts in helping students become college and career ready.

The competitive award acknowledges the development and execution of a highly-effective plan for the entire student body to become college and career ready through the CFES 10-Point College and Career Readiness Plan.

The plan encompasses the organization’s three core practices of Essential Skills™, Mentoring and Pathways to College and Career.

A global leader in helping low-income students become college and career ready, CFES currently supports 25,000 students through partnerships with 200 rural and urban K-12 schools and districts in 30 states and Ireland.

Relying on research-driven methods and best practices, CFES has sent 95 percent of its students to college from both urban and rural areas from across the United States.

“The innovative and comprehensive plans implemented by these schools are proven models for success that schools across the country can emulate,” Rick Dalton, CFES Brilliant Pathways President and CEO, said.

“They have created a culture of college and career readiness that is a foundation for economic development in their regions.”

To become a School of Distinction, a school must fulfill a meticulous and varied set of criteria.

These include implementing cutting-edge, school wide programs that advance college and career readiness.

• August Ahrens Elementary School

• AuSable Valley Central School

• Balbriggan Community College

• Beekmantown Middle School

• Brooklyn Institute for Liberal Arts

• Booker Middle School

• Career Readiness Academy at Mosley

• Crown Point Central School

• Delaware Academy Central School at Delhi

• Eugene Ashley High School

• Eximius College Preparatory Academy

• Friendship Central School

• Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School

• John T. Hoggard High School

• JW Leary Junior High School

• Kalon Prep Academy

• Kohala Middle School

• Moriah Central School

• Mulberry Middle School

• New Hanover High School

• Northeastern Clinton Central School

• Northern Lehigh High School

• Otter Valley Union High School

• Pelham Preparatory Academy

• Plattsburgh High School

• Sanford B. Dole Middle School

• St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush

• Ticonderoga Central School