Gilmer High School Principal Greg Watson explained for Gilmer Rotarians Tuesday how the school is preparing students for life in today’s changing and competitive world.

He used slides to supplement his description of the programs Gilmer High has in place. He said the school pushes post-secondary education — a degree from a 2-year or 4-year college — or, at least, some college exposure.

The reason, he said, is that 60 percent of today’s jobs require some college, and 80 percent of jobs projected to grow the fastest require some post-high school education.

The school’s overall goal is to let students make their own choice, with some guidance, to continue in college or enter the work force directly, the principal said.

Dropping out of high school limits a student’s options and earning potential, Watson emphasized. Those who remain in school longer are more likely to have good health, become volunteers and good citizens, and those who graduate from college earn twice as much in their lifetimes as high school graduates, he added.

Watson noted that the school is trying to make parents as well as students aware of the benefits available. The top 10 percent of graduates are entitled to automatic admission to any public college or university in Texas, he pointed out.

With advanced-placement and dual-credit courses offered in high school, junior high students are now being introduced to subjects that once were limited to high school, Watson said. This year four dual-credit courses are offered through Kilgore College, with three meeting in the evening, and there are five advanced-placement courses.

Students in the seventh and eighth grades are introduced to the AVID program (Advance Via Individual Determination). Watson says this pushes a student to make long-range plans through career-interest surveys, among other methods. Last year, he said, 12 seniors were in the AVID program.

One counselor has her primary focus on getting students ready for college, the principal said, and information is given on financial aid. Most students are required to take the Preliminary SAT test, and students are encouraged to enter National Merit Scholarship competition, he said.

Students and their parents are encouraged to choose the distinguished achievement plan (the highest of three paths toward graduation) as a precursor to college.

Watson said the school staff is aware that students are involved in sports, band, choir, jobs and other activities, so it is hard to juggle the challenges they face.

“We will pursue a variety of paths, but we must ensure that all are prepared for college and work. We will continue to change as students’ needs change,” he summed up.

Watson is in his first year as GHS principal.

Rotarian Tim Marshall was in charge of the program.

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