Broward County Educators Celebrate Increase in Graduation Rates

The Florida Department of Education released graduation data for school systems across the state with positive news state-wide and in Broward County last month. 87.2% of Broward County Public Schools seniors graduated following the 2021-22 school year. This is a 1% increase versus pre-pandemic levels and was in line with the state-wide graduation rate of 87.3%.

“Florida’s graduation rate is a direct result of the determination of our students and the parents, school counselors, teachers, and district leaders who worked hard to ensure the 2022 Senior Class was ready for their next opportunities in life,” said State Board of Education Member Monesia Brown.

“Today’s increase in graduation rate for Broward County Public Schools is something we are very happy about, very proud of,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Vickie Cartright , “this was the result of our staff being laser-focused on our students when they came back to brick and mortar instruction.”

All of the local public schools had 2021-22 Graduation rates above the county average. Piper High School led the way with 95.7% of its seniors graduating. South Plantation High School had a graduation rate of 95.4%, Western High School saw 94.4% of its students graduate while Plantation High School finished with a graduation rate of 90.1%.

▸ Scan the QR Code or visit www.edudata.fldoe.org/AdvancedReprots.html for more information about your school.

PLANTATION WELCOMES THE 2023 SOUTHEAST FLORIDA SCOTTISH FESTIVAL & HIGHLAND GAMES

For almost four decades, the Southeast Florida Scottish Festival and Highland Games has become well-known around the country for its high-quality organization and featured entertainment celebrating Scottish Culture and Heritage.

Once again, the anticipated 98th annual event will be held on March 4th at Plantation Heritage Park. The centrally located premier venue will be transformed into an exciting exhibition of Scottish culture.

The Scottish Festival is a very colorful cultural event, and highlights include massed bagpipe bands, heavy athletics, country dancing, highland dancing, clans and societies, Celtic rock and traditional music, piping and drumming competitions, children’s games, living history demos, sheep-herding, Scottish food, drink, and merchandise. Live music performances feature Albannach, Steel City Rovers, the

Blue Skye Pipes & Drums, and the World/North American Champion City of Dunedin Pipe Band.

This is coupled with a Highland Games, which comprises competitions in bag-piping, drumming, and heavy athletics with participation by people of all ages, ethnicities, and sexes and is not restricted to those of Scottish heritage.

Additionally, an area of children’s activities will immerse young lads in Scottish culture through dress-up, coloring, child-appropriate athletics, and a passport game that guides them around the heritage displays.

This year the impressive lineup of live music performances feature Seven Nations, Dunedin City Pipe Band (Grade 2 winners at 2018 World Pipe Band Championship held in Scotland), and Blu Sky Pipes & Drums. There will be a Kilted Legs Contest as well as Scottish Country Dancing.

Hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM., rain or shine, no refunds. For further information and advance tickets please click on the QR code, visit www.SASSF.org or call 954-460-5000

▸ The Scottish American Society of South Florida, Inc., is a not for profit 501(c) 3 Florida corporation. Over the years, in addition to providing a community cultural opportunity, the event has provided one-hundred and thirty-two performing arts and fifty-eight academic scholarships for academic courses and Scottish performing arts totaling over $53,000.