Apply Texas Submission Award

Schools earning The Apply Texas award are recognized for having the highest percentage of seniors who submitted the Texas Common Application. The goal of ApplyTexas is to offer a centralized means for students to apply to the many outstanding Texas universities, community colleges, as well as private schools with one simple step.

The following high schools had 100% participation in the Apply Texas category by their students:

• Lanier High School, AISD. Principal Ryan Hopkins and ADVANCE Counselor Lauren Discher
• Garza High School, AISD. Principal Linda Webb and ADVANCE Counselor Yvonne Esipinoza
• Ann Richards High School, AISD. Principal Jeanne Hoka and ADVANCE Counselor Eric Heineman
• Crockett High School, AISD. Principal Sissy Camacho and ADVANCE Counselor Michelle Synder
• Connally High School, Pflugerville ISD. Principal Kermit Ward and counselor Vi Quauch-Vu
• Hutto High School, Hutto ISD. Principal Roy Christian and Counselors Shirley Reich and Erica Blando
• KIPP Collegiate High School. Principal James Pasto and Counselor Anthony Salerno

Highest Overall FAFSA Submission Rate

This award goes to schools with the highest percentage of senior class students submitting the FAFSA for the first quarter of 2016.

• Hendrickson High School, Pflugerville ISD. Principal Daniel Garcia and Counselor Kara Tappendorf
• Liberal Arts & Science Academy, AISD. Principal Stacia Crescenzi and Project ADVANCE Advisor Jamie Kocian and Lead Counselor Shannon Bergeron.
• Ann Richards High School, AISD. Principal Jeanne Goka and Project Advance Advisor Eric Heineman

Highest Financial Aid Event Attendance

Hutto High School turned out 338 students and parents to their financial aid event where families can receive assistance on completing the FAFSA process. Congratulations to Superintendent Doug Killian, Principal Roy Christian, Counseling Director Shirley Reich, and Lead Counselor Erica Blando.

Highest Student Future Project Submission Rate

Awarded to Ann Richards High School, Liberal Arts and Science Academy, and Anderson High School from AISD for having the highest rate of participants in the senior surveys conducted in partnership with the UT Ray Marshall Center. The surveys play a crucial role in determining their preparation for college and post-secondary plans.

Greatest Improvement in Direct to College Enrollment Rate - Campus

• Vandegrift High School – 81% (a 5% gain over 2015) – Superintendent Dan Troxell, Principal Charles Little and counselors Sarah Spradling, Jennifer Fisher, Peggy Morisset, Amy Rodgriguez, and Kristen Williamson.

Greatest Improvement in Direct to College Rate – District Wide

• Del Valle ISD. Superintendent Kelly Crook, Principal David Williamson and Counselor Jackie McMannis
• Hutto ISD. Superintendent Doug Killian, Principal Roy Christian, Counseling Director Shirley Reich, and Lead Counselor Erica Blando.

Highest Overall Direct to College Enrollment

• Liberal Arts and Science Academy for the fourth year in a row! Superintendent Dr. Paul Cruz, Principal Stacia Crescenzi and Project ADVANCE Advisor Jamie Kocian and Lead Counselor Shannon Bergeron.

APIE College Readiness Award

Over the last decade, the Chamber has invested millions into Austin Partners in Education to tutor graduating seniors who lack college readiness but are committed to an advanced education. We recognize the APIE advocate who has made the greatest impact on individual student college/career readiness rates. This year the award goes to:

• Kynan Murtagh