74.6% PHS Grads Attend College
Officially, 74.59349% of the 492 graduates of Pickerington High School in June, 2001 are attending college following their senior year according to official records maintained at PHS. The counselors have a list of the colleges and the names of all 367 graduates attending college now.
In addition, according to a recent survey published in Columbus Monthly, Pickerington has one the highest rates of student graduates attending four-year colleges in the entire area. According to Columbus Monthly, Pickerington has a 90% rate. The difference between the 74.6% rate and the 90% rate can easily be explained by the fact that several Pickerington High School students start their college education later in the year or the year following high school after an extended trip to Europe or the completion of an internship with a local corporation.
It is also important to note that many area high schools (possibly Groveport) may be reporting only the % of students in their college-prep curriculum that enter college following graduation. Pickerington keeps statistics on all graduates that enter college following their senior year.
The information published by PATA Spokesperson, Bob Harding, on 11.14.01 under his heading of ?‘55% College Attendance?’ is deceptive, misleading and inaccurate. Under his posting 55% College Attendance Mr. Harding is quoted as saying, ?“Awhile back some of the members of one of PATA?’s focus teams were finding figures similar to what has been recently posted by other individuals on our web site (Harding referenced Dr. Pepper?’s 55%). This needs much more serious attention than some people are giving this issue ?…. 55% should not and is not acceptable.?”
Mr. Harding?’s actions continue to reflect poorly on the entire PATA organization and harm the credibility of PATA. He still has not indicated the article he referenced on 11.2.01 when he said , ?“Enter then School Board President and Administrators quotes in the Columbus Dispatch that those nasty folks with PATA are against OUR schools.?”
It appears to me that Bob Harding is continuing to publish deceptive, misleading and inaccurate facts.
