Timberlake High School in Spirit Lake, Idaho is one of just 27 high schools throughout the country being recognized for efforts to increase the number of first-generation college students and students from low-income families pursuing a college degree or another higher education credential.
Timberlake High’s distinction as an “exemplary model” was noted by ACT’s American College Application Campaign (ACAC), a national effort to recognize schools that are helping students pursue postsecondary success.
“The ACAC campaign has been going on for five years and Timberlake is the first Idaho high school to be included on the list of excellence awardees,” State Board President Dr. Linda Clark said. “I congratulate the Timberlake staff on a job well done!”
Sebastian Kelley serves as Timberlake’s college and career advisor. Since the start of the school year, he has met one-on-one with every one of the school’s high school seniors to help them chart a postsecondary path after graduation. “I believe every student has a calling in their life and they need to know someone will help them reach that calling,” Kelley said. “I am so thankful for all staff at Timberlake High where we focus on college and career readiness. I believe these conversations need to be happening earlier in students’ lives starting in elementary schools and in middle schools.”
Jenni Kimball, the State Board’s college and career advising program manager said Kelley’s efforts really stood out. “Our College & Career Access Team created the Apply Idaho Challenge this year to encourage high schools to set goals around the number of seniors completing at least one college application.” Kimball said.
While many schools met or exceeded their goals, some including Timberlake, ensured that 100 percent of their seniors filled out Idaho’s Common Application, Apply Idaho. “Sebastian is a go-getter who directs his energy towards his student’s success. Timberlake exemplifies the fun and creative ways our state’s college and career advisors are helping students achieve their postsecondary goals after graduation.”
More information about ACT’s American College Application Campaign is available at: https://equityinlearning.act.org/acac
