Page 17 - New York Statewide Smart Scholars Overview and Profiles

Smart Scholars ECHS began at Freeport High School in 2010. The program began with two
classes being offered in Social Studies grades 9 and 10. Over the last five years the program
has grown not just in courses offered, but in support and success of the students in the
program. Freeport ECHS now offers ten different courses which can lead to thirty three college
credits for Smart Scholars students. These classes are offered in Social Studies grades 9-12,
English grades 11-12, Business, and Technology elective courses.

Freeport has implemented an afterschool support system for Smart Scholars students. The
students can attend these review courses in which many Early College High School teachers
take part in. The students then have the opportunity to apply the skills gained after school into
their class activities and assessments. This program is an integral part to the success of the
program. These review sessions have enabled our program to boast a 100 percent graduation
rate for Smart Scholars students. Students at risk are now achieving lofty goals through their
efforts and the pride they have in being a part of the Early College High School Smart Scholars
Program.

The Smart Scholars Early College High School Program at Freeport High School has also
allowed for the creation of an extra-curricular group known as S.W.A.G. (Students Who Achieve
Greatness). This group is enabling students to work within the community of Freeport to aid
those in need. This group gives Smart Scholar students a feeling of joy. The students love
participating in community service activities, and look at this as a way to give back to others as
they have received through the Smart Scholars Early College High School Grant. These
students are motivated young people who not only want to take advantage of their opportunities;
they want to give back to others so they may have opportunities as well.

The Smart Scholars Program has enabled the students of Freeport to have equality of
opportunity. It does not guarantee equality of outcomes. The students understand this notion
and they work hard to make sure that their opportunities are not squandered. Thanks to the key
stake holders, the students of Freeport Early College High School have a bright future to look
forward to.

As part of Early College High School
Week, 53 students from the Freeport
High School Student Government,
and Smart Scholars Program visited
our state capital to meet with Senators
John Flanagan, Phillip Boyle and
Michael Venditto, as well as
Assemblyman Brian Curran. The
students had an opportunity to see
open debate on the floor of the
Assembly as well as being announced
to the legislative body. Prior to the trip
Smart Scholars students studied the
budgeting process, and what was
needed to support their High School.
Assemblymembers Brian Curran
(bottom left) and Earlene Hooper
(bottom right) posed with the group for
this photo.