Rodolfich wins national award

SUN HERALD

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Wayne Rodolfich, superintendent of the Pascagoula School District, recently accepted a national award for the district’s efforts in preventing students from dropping out of school.

Rodolfich was awarded the National Drop Out Prevention Network’s Crystal Star Award for Excellence in Dropout Recovery, Intervention and Prevention at the National Dropout Prevention Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

The mission of the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network is to serve as a research center and resource network for practitioners, researchers and policymakers to reshape school and community environments to meet the needs of youth in at-risk situations so these students receive the quality education and services necessary to succeed academically and graduate from high school.

The purpose of the Crystal Star Awards is to identify and bring national recognition to outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the mission of the NDPN.

“Everything we do in this district is student-centered,” Rodolfich said. “This national award proves what can happen when a community and its school district work together for a common goal — to make sure every child stays motivated and excited about learning so they will be inspired to stay in school and graduate. This national award is a reflection of this community and this school district’s vision — that every child can be successful.”

Rodolfich was nominated for the award for the district’s Destination Graduation! Dropout Prevention Program, which began in 2007 with a campaign to make the community aware of the dropout issue and the ways people in the community could be a part of motivating and inspiring students to stay in school.

Rodolfich also was touted for his work to develop and implement an alternative-learning environment for students through the creation of the Family Interactive Center, a field trip destination for all students, preschool through the 12th grade. The center also is used for special events such as the Gulf Coast Youth Symphony.