Aerianna Booker is pictured with her grandmother, Jane Hannah; mother, Nashon Hannah; and Dr. Scott Ebbrecht, Director of Alternative Education and Assessment.
The Westerville City Schools Educational Options for Success (EOS) program recognized its fifth Graduate of the Year (for school year 2015-2016) on Tuesday, November 22. Aerianna Booker, a 2016 graduate of Westerville Central High School, completed her graduation requirements through the EOS program, which is located at the Academic Enrichment Center (AEC). The Graduate of the Year is selected by the teachers and staff at the AEC each school year. Attributes considered for this award are perseverance, scholarship, leadership, service, character, responsibility, respect, attitude, loyalty, and integrity.
Booker was chosen for this award as she kept an overall average of 3.5 on a GPA scale during her approximate two years at EOS. She was a leading student within the EOS program as noticed by her work ethic; her polite and respectful manner; and her jovial/happy mood. Her daily attitude and approach to life is one of productivity, generosity, and optimism. She never complained and always showed an “I can handle it” attitude. Dr. Scott Ebbrecht, Director of Alternative Education and Assessment stated, “Aerianna acted with integrity throughout her time in EOS by showing us she could be counted on to be here daily and to maintain responsibility for both home and work obligations.”
For 16 years, EOS has continued to provide a quality educational alternative for students and their parents. The award-winning program serves a wide-variety of students, and has leveled the playing field to enable the district to actually gain a competitive advantage over its charter school counterparts. EOS has not only helped hundreds of at-risk pupils to complete their high school education, but it has recouped state funding which is lost when students drop out or leave the district to pursue other educational avenues. Nearly 71 students graduate from EOS each year, representing approximately 7% of the district’s annual graduate rate.