Harrison School District reports 32% reading growth and $5.8M in scholarships

In a powerful display of commitment to student success, the Harrison School District 2 Board of Education meeting on February 6, 2025, highlighted remarkable achievements in reading and college counseling.

Dawn, a dedicated educator, shared impressive results from her efforts to support students struggling with reading. By utilizing academic and behavioral data, she formed Social Emotional Learning (SEL) groups that led to an astonishing 32% growth in reading skills—far exceeding the typical 10% expected from standard interventions. This success underscores the district's investment in full-time school counselors, emphasizing that mental health and personal growth are essential components of academic achievement.

On another front, Lindsay Leggett, the college and career counselor at Harrison High School, has made significant strides in guiding seniors. By January, she had met individually with every senior, resulting in over $5.8 million in scholarships for the class of 2024—a 46% increase from the previous year. Notably, two students earned prestigious Gates Scholarships, covering all remaining college costs, which can amount to at least $80,000 each.

These accomplishments reflect the district's holistic approach to education, where academic success is intertwined with emotional and personal development. The board's support for these initiatives is paving the way for students to realize their full potential and achieve fulfilling lives.