Hartselle has long been known for its outstanding sports programs and athletes who excel in their particular sport.

However, the 2010- 2011 school year will go down as one where academics also proved to be outstanding and newsworthy.

Hartselle High School participated in the A+ College Ready grant program for the first time and achieved above-goal results.

The program focuses on Advance Placement Courses and Pre-Advance Placement Courses for high school students. The grant provides funds to help students prepare for the advance placement tests and to increase their scores to a degree they could earn college credit.

With this being the first year the faculty and administration set a goal of having 85 students passing the AP exams. But as usual the students of Hartselle High went above and beyond the goal. A total of 129 students passed the exams.

This is a remarkable accomplishment and one that came as a result of lots of hard work by the students, faculty, staff, and administration at Hartselle High. Dedicated teachers went above and beyond normal classroom duties to help prepare and stimulate the minds of the students and prepare them for the exams. Several Saturdays were spent by the students and teachers at study sessions with other schools to prepare for the exams which were held in the spring. Motivated teachers with the best interests of the students paid off with great returns for a first year program.

By reaching the milestone that was achieved this year it also helps to confirm what the students have had impressed upon them throughout their academic careers-hard work and dedication will pay off in the end. This is a great life lesson learned early on and hopefully many of the students will take with them as they continue their education at the college level.

Congratulations to all who worked so hard in the program this year and enjoy the benefits that it has brought to you, especially the college credit. We are very proud of your accomplishments this year, go forth into the world and make your mark.

Randy Garrison is the general manager of the Hartselle Enquirer.