By Shirley Shuman
Fulfilling a dream of Braxton County High School principal Lori Stover, the local high school has been chosen as a nationally recognized model school. Stover explained that achieving this recognition was a school goal for this year and that work has been geared toward achieving that goal. According to the Center for Model Schools, each school chosen “has demonstrated exceptional success in improving student outcomes through innovative teaching practices, effective leadership, and strong implementation of HMH educational programs.”
A major highlight resulting from the high school’s being chosen is their invitation not only to attend the 2025 Southern Regional Education Board Conference in Washington, DC, but also to present at that conference. Seven from Braxton County High’s staff will be presenters this year. One of those presenters is science instructor Jill Lemon . “Model Schools was the catapult that started our journey, and it’s great to be able to give back to other schools who are facing similar issues,” Lemon noted. She added, “We’re so proud of what our kids have accomplished and now we get to share it with the world!”
Principal Stover explained that the process of achieving model-school status involved two applications. After the original application which included data for the previous school year along with strategies which had promoted the school’s achievements, Braxton learned the school had been selected for the next step.
“The ZOOM round which came next included in-depth questions on all areas and resulted in the selection of who would present,” Stover explained. She emphasized, “The results of our positive climate and culture made all of this happen. We have worked so hard on showing how love equals learning and that the foundation of education should be positive, caring relationships. Our students’ success is proof of that. I’m forever proud of my staff and my kids for believing in what we are doing and showing up every day with heart and a smile.”
Another of Braxton’s presenters at the national conference, Janis Collins, asserted, “Our backwards design to learning puts students first. It empowers them and gives them the sense of security needed to try, sometimes fail, and grow as learners and humans.”
The 33rd Annual Model Schools Conference is set for June 22-25 in Washington, DC. Braxton’s other presenters include Principal Stover, Assistant Principal John McElwain, and instructors Shawn Crow, Allie Suesli, and Andy Shingler.