**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
Nash-Rocky Mount Early College High School Receives Recognition for Peer Group Connection
NASHVILLE, N.C. — Nash-Rocky Mount Early College High School has been recognized by the Center for Supportive Schools (CSS) as a certified Peer Group Connection Program (PGC) school. This prestigious designation signifies that the school has demonstrated exemplary performance in implementing the PGC program with the highest quality and fidelity. The certification process includes accreditation for the school, program advisors, and student peer leaders.
Dr. Thomas McGeachy, the early college high school principal, said: "This is a tremendous honor and reflects highly on our exceptional staff facilitators (Mrs. Diane Renck, Mrs. Jasmine Wilson, and Mrs. Tabitha Edwards) and scholars. A site visit was conducted by the Regional Program Manager of the Center for Supported Schools, and we were one of three schools in the southern region to receive a gold certification. The PGC program has proven successful in providing mentoring for our freshmen while also developing leadership skills in our upperclassmen."
Nash-Rocky Mount Early College High School is one of three schools in the Southern Region to receive the Gold Level Certification this year, demonstrating an exceptional PGC program. Peer Group Connection – High School (PGC-HS) is a peer leadership program that has been in place at Nash-Rocky Mount Early College High School since the 2023-2024 school year. "NCPS is incredibly proud of our students and staff for achieving this milestone. This certification demonstrates their dedication and the positive impact they have on our school community," said an NCPS Spokesperson.
The program supports students' transitions from middle to high school by leveraging the leadership of high school juniors and seniors. These students, enrolled in the PGC-HS daily for-credit course, develop leadership skills and conduct weekly outreach sessions with their peers and parents. In addition to the school's certification, Diane Renck, Jasmine Wilson, and Tabitha Edwards have received the Certified Faculty Advisor designation. The school also nominated students who met all training requirements, earned no less than a "B" in the Peer Group Connection class, and adhered to the Peer Group Connection Code of Ethics to become Certified Peer Group Connection Peer Leaders.
This year, the following students received this designation:
Demone Frazier, Jr.
Zamya Garner
Abbi Greene
Alyssa Hasan
Allie Hawley
Malaak Hizam
Jamion Johnson
Janiya Moore
Destiny Parker
Sebastian PerezHernandez
Mackenzie Pitt
Sarah Ponzini
Carsyn Roughton
A'sasha Silver
Destiny Smith
Kailynn Whitehead
About the Peer Group Connection Program:
Peer Group Connection – High School is an evidence based program that supports and eases students’ successful transition from middle to high school. Once per week, pairs of junior and senior peer leaders meet with groups of 10-14 9th graders in outreach sessions designed to strengthen relationships among students across grades. These peer leaders are simultaneously enrolled in a daily, for-credit leadership course taught by school faculty during regular school hours. PGC has been implemented in more than 175 high schools since 1979. More information about CSS and Peer Group Connection can be found on their website at www.supportiveschools.org.
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Media Contact:
Heather Louise Finch, Executive Director of Communication, Planning, and Engagement