Jeffersontown High School: Fostering Student Success from Freshman Year to College
Jeffersontown High School demonstrated its commitment to student success on October 9 with two significant events: the annual Commitment to Graduate ceremony for freshmen and college admissions meetings for seniors.
Freshmen Commit to Their Future
Over 320 ninth-graders participated in the Commitment to Graduate ceremony, a tradition that combines elements of a pep rally with a pledge to academic achievement. The event showcased the school's dedication to engaging students from the start of their high school journey. Six Freshman Academy faculty members presented an exciting program, underscoring the meaning of the event and the opportunities that lie ahead for students who get involved. They emphasized the importance of staying engaged in various aspects of school life, from prom and football games to drama club activities.
Freshman Academy Counselor Adrienne Richards delivered an inspiring message, reminding students to think of their "why" as they begin their high school careers. She emphasized that their futures are wide open if they remember their reason for coming to school and investing in their education.
Freshman Seminar Teacher Elliott Hardesty led the students in reciting the Commitment to Graduate Pledge:
As a Freshman at J-Town high School,
I commit to graduating in four years.
I commit to showing respect to myself and others.
I commit to being present and making good decisions.
I commit to being responsible for my actions and words.
I commit to contributing to my short term and long term success.
Class of 2028, strong and bold, our future’s bright, watch us unfold.
J-Town forever!
After reciting the pledge, students signed a large banner that will be displayed in the Freshman Academy halls as a daily reminder of their commitment. They also received t-shirts featuring a design chosen by their class. The ceremony concluded with some practical training for the upcoming pep rally to ensure that the new students would be well-prepared to participate in school traditions. By the end of the event, the freshmen had mastered "the wave" and were filled with J-Town pride.
Seniors Take Steps Toward College
While the freshmen were pledging their commitment to graduate, seniors were taking concrete steps toward their post-high school futures. In a classroom across campus, University of Louisville admissions officers held individual meetings with Jeffersontown seniors aspiring to become Cardinals after graduation. These one-on-one sessions provided invaluable guidance and information to the students.
During these meetings, admissions officers reviewed students' transcripts and offered conditional acceptance to qualifying candidates. They provided detailed information about UofL programs, associated costs, scholarship opportunities, and housing options. The personalized nature of these sessions allowed students to ask questions, share their educational experiences, and discuss their goals after high school.
One notable example was a student hoping to pursue a degree in music education. This multi-instrumentalist, proficient in trumpet and saxophone, was admitted on-site as a pre-music major. Admissions officer Kevin Buckley provided him with all the necessary details about the audition process required in his first year at UofL.
Each senior received specific deadlines and timelines for the processes they'd need to complete to become Cardinals in the fall of 2025. This hands-on approach to college admissions guidance demonstrated Jeffersontown High School's commitment to supporting students through every step of their educational journey.
Full-Circle Support
From the newest members of their Freshman Academy to the students who are pursuing the path to college, Jeffersontown High School's staff remains dedicated to providing students with all the tools and resources they need to succeed in high school and beyond. The Commitment to Graduate ceremony and the on-site college admissions meetings exemplify the school's holistic approach to education, ensuring that students are supported and motivated from their first day of high school until they walk across the stage at graduation and step into their future.
