Walker County Superintendent of Schools Melissa Mathis graphically demonstrates the difference in earning capacity these students will encounter through their education choices.

LaFayette Middle School's 2007 Teacher of the Year Karen Stoker is taking on a new role this year as the school's graduation coach as designed by Governor Perdue's initiative to increase Georgia's graduation rate.  Stoker started the very first day modeling for the success of these students.  Last year Governor Perdue and Walker County Schools established graduation coaches at each high school and this year in each middle school.

Karen Stoker, a 28-year veteran in public education, graphically demonstrates and discusses with her students the importance of staying in school and graduating.  Wearing her cap and gown and displaying her diploma, Stoker visited every class on campus the first day of school.  Increasing the graduation rate is a continuing process from kindergarten through twelfth grade and is a priority for Walker County Schools and the Georgia Department of Education.

Having each student at LaFayette Middle School sign a pledge on a graduation gown is one of the many innovative, interactive activities new Graduation Coach Karen Stoker employs to motivate her students to plan ahead toward completion of high school.

LaFayette Middle School eighth graders sign a graduation gown as their pledge to complete their education through high school.