By DAVID VITRANO

News Editor

LAPLACE—Three River Parishes high schools—two in St. John and one in St. James—recently received the 2008 College Readiness Award from the Louisiana ACT Council.

The award recognizes those schools that, over the last five years, have demonstrated a significant increase in both the number of students taking the test as well as their performance on the ACT. Both public and private schools are included in the assessment.

In St. John Parish, both public high schools, West St. John and East St. John received the award.

The principals of the schools, Patricia Triche of ESJH and Erica Merrick of WSJH, received plaques at the last school board meeting in recognition of the accomplishments made at their respective schools.

“We are looking forward to becoming a model high school site for the state of Louisiana,” said Triche.

In St. James Parish, Lutcher High was the school receiving the recognition.

Karen Pennell, assistant vice president and ACT southwest regional manager, commented, “This can only happen as a result of the high school’s faculty and staff efforts and the dedication of Lutcher High School students and parents to focus on college readiness and raise the level of college readiness for all students.”

Lutcher High Principal Eugene Hoover said, “The ACT College Readiness Award is a direct reflection of the type of rigor that we have in our curriculum here. It shows that our teachers are committed to teaching the critical thinking skills and the knowledge-based materials that are on the test. I think it’s a positive reflection for our school, and we’re excited about it.”

Hoover, however, remains determined to improve the school’s composite score, which is presently at 19.9, just under the statewide average of 20.3.

“In order for us to surpass the state’s average, we’re looking at continuing with our ACT readiness workshops.”

St. James Superintendent Dr. Alonzo Luce added, “I think it’s an encouraging sign for our students and the faculty and staff at Lutcher High. It sends a message to the entire community that our educators are fulfilling their roles of preparing our students for a future in higher education.”

Only 12 schools throughout the state received the award.

The ACT is the college entrance examination used throughout Louisiana.