May 24, 2013

This morning, Nick was honored to march with kindergarteners from the Parkrose School District to promote a 100% graduation rate in Oregon by the year 2025.

The march today signified the educational journey this year’s kindergarteners will go through to graduate from Parkrose High School in 2025! The morning was filled with music and cheers from the Parkrose High School band and cheerleaders, multi-cultural dances by current high school students, and a special focus on the importance of education and achieving your goals.

Oregon is falling behind in education. Our current generation of young adults ages 25 - 34 is less educated than their parents’ generation. Almost a third of our students are failing to graduate with a regular diploma after four or five years in high school.

This is unacceptable.

The “40/40/20 Goal,” launched by Governor Kitzhaber, states that 40% of Oregonians will earn a bachelor’s degree, 40% will earn an associate’s degree or post-secondary credential, and the remaining 20% or less will have earned their high school diploma by 2025.

These kindergartners took the first step this year in making the 40/40/20 goal a reality.

Working together, we can ensure all Oregon youth have a high school diploma by 2025!