Five Georgia High Schools Receive Governor's Cup

Five Georgia High Schools Receive Governor’s Cup

Cup Honors Schools with Largest Gains in SAT Scores

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue and Superintendent Kathy Cox announced today the five Georgia high schools receiving Governor’s Cup trophies highlighting their marked improvement in SAT scores.  Governor Perdue initiated the statewide competition in 2003 as part of an overall effort to raise Georgia’s SAT scores.  The Governor’s Cup challenge is based on high school athletic regions and classifications previously assigned by the Georgia High School Association.

“I’m proud to present the Governor's Cup to schools with the best average improvement in the state,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “I know that dedicated teachers, involved parents and hard-working students all worked together to produce outstanding improvement.  I’m proud to recognize their success.” 

Each of the five high schools that won their respective classes was awarded a Governor’s Cup trophy and a $2,000 grant.  The winning schools include:

City of Social Circle High School          Walton County A

            Berrien High School                              Berrien County AA

            Druid Hills High School                         DeKalb County AAA

            Ridgeland High School                          Walker County AAAA

            Peachtree Ridge High School                Gwinnett County AAAAA

Governor Perdue and Superintendent Cox visited four of the winning schools today to present the Governor’s Cup trophy.  They will visit Ridgeland High School in Walker County on October 26.

“If a school is showing improvement on the SAT, it means more students are learning at a higher level and getting the chance to go to college,” said State School Superintendent Kathy Cox.  “Congratulations to all of our Governor’s Cup winners and all of those who competed. Georgia is proud of you.”

A Regional Champion Trophy and $1,000 grant were also awarded to 35 high schools with the largest numerical improvement in SAT scores in their region.  For more information about the region winners, please visit www.satrocks.com.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. is a partner in the Governor’s Cup, providing all prizes to the winning schools.

In August Governor Perdue and Superintendent Cox announced that Georgia improved its national SAT ranking to 46, up from last place among all states in 2005.  This year Georgia bypassed Florida, Hawaii, Pennsylvania and South Carolina.  Public schools fared even better in the SAT rankings, jumping from 48 in the nation in 2005 to 44 this year. 

Georgia’s African-American students outscored their peers across the nation, scoring an average of 1,293 on the test, ranking 34 in the nation and two points higher than the national average for African-American students.  Georgia’s Hispanic students also showed improved performance with an average score of 1,419, ranking 34 in the nation and averaging 48 points higher than the national average for Hispanic students.  Georgia continues to have one of the smallest achievement gaps among student subgroups in the nation. 

Georgia students are encouraged to use the state’s free online SAT prep class – www.satonlinecourseschool.com – to help prepare for the SAT.  The online class is available at no cost to all high school students. 

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