“Previously, athletics and academics were looked at as two separate things, and I would strongly agree with someone who said athletes didn’t necessarily perform well academically in years past. That has changed 100 percent, and it’s because of the pride that our athletes have in the colors they wear, the brand they represent which translates and permeates into the classroom. It’s not like a light switch; you can’t be lackadaisical in practice and then turn it on all of a sudden on game day. It has to be every day, and it starts in the classroom.” – IMPACT principal This principal stated that the average ACT score at their high school is 23.5, with students in the senior class holding a median GPA of 3.7. High Spirit and Academic Expectations Higher school spirit among students correlates with greater expectations for higher- education achievements. 58% of high-spirited students anticipate receiving either a graduate or bachelor’s degree. Parents of higher-spirited students have similar expectations, reporting stronger academic performance and anticipating higher-ed accomplishments for their children. 79% of parents of high-spirited students attest to their child performing above average.
“School spirit has absolutely contributed to my daughter’s success in the classroom in so many ways. Olivia came into school with a mindset of wanting to work, apply herself, and excel. She also continuously wanted to engage with her teacher and fellow students. Having higher school spirit made a big difference. Olivia is passionate about school, and that is reflected in her achievements.” –IMPACT parent, Jim Rabenstein, whose daughter, Olivia, will be attending the University of Oklahoma in the fall.
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