JACKSONVILLE, Fla – Trojan Pride has never looked so good.
Neither have the grades.
"A lot of excitement. A lot of pride, so we're bringing Ribault back," principal Ed Robinson said.
On Friday, students, pastors and community leaders alike gathered to celebrate Ribault's success. It went from years of Fs to a C last year to the top this time.
Cheerleaders cheered, the band played the school song, and of course, everyone got their dance on.
"We came a long way and I'm very proud of my school. I'm overwhelmed to say I will be graduating from an A school this year," senior Ebonee Jenkins said.
Ribault's Class of 2012 increased its graduation rate more than any other school in Duval County. Former Principal James Young says the upward trek took cooperation from everyone.
"Having some consistency on the instructional staff ... using those strategies for reading, math, science, and encouragement are very important to us becoming an A school," he said.
Like the signs say: it's clear Ribault has its swag back. Though today's celebration is over, the party continues into next school year and beyond.
"The students got sick of it. Me, myself got sick of it and the teachers, too. They really wanted to show people that we can do this," Jenkins said.
Another cool tidbit to this story: Ribault is the only non-magnet high school in all of Duval County to come out with an A. The district has 59 total A schools. That includes every level: elementary, middle and high schools.
