Cohen: Booker T. Washington High School is One Step Closer to a Potential Visit from President Obama

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today announced that Booker T. Washington High School of Memphis, Tennessee is one of three schools that received the most online votes in this year’s Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge. From these remaining schools, President Obama will choose one as the winner later this week and will participate in their commencement ceremony this year.

“The students and faculty at Booker T. Washington are truly inspirational, as evidenced by the tremendous support during the online voting,” said Congressman Cohen. “The faculty have all worked diligently to ensure that their students have access to a wide range of classes which help to ensure the students stay motivated so they can be successful. I am hopeful that President Obama chooses to further motivate the students Booker T. Washington High School by selecting them as the winner of the Commencement Challenge and speaking at their graduation ceremony. Thanks to all who voted and who encouraged others to vote.”

President Obama set a goal of having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020. The nation’s public high schools were invited to submit applications to participate in the Commencement Challenge to demonstrate their commitment to preparing students for college and a career. Hundreds of applications were received and were judged based on the schools’ performance, essay questions and supplemental data. Six applicants were selected to produce videos to display their creativity in engaging and supporting students, academic results, and progress in preparing students to graduate college and career ready.

The public voted for the schools they thought best meet the President’s goal based on the videos that were hosted on the White House’s web page over the past two weeks. The following schools received the highest vote totals:

• Booker T. Washington High School (Memphis, Tennessee)

• High Tech High International (San Diego, California)

• Bridgeport High School (Bridgeport, Washington)

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