TAMPA, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Public Schools is celebrating the second-highest graduation rate in the district’s history for the 2022-23 school year. 

At 86.2%, it is a slight decrease from last year, but Superintendent Van Ayres said that rate reflects a graduating class faced unique challenges, as the student entered the ninth grade during the pandemic. 

What You Need To Know

  •  Hillsborough County Public Schools' graduation rate for the 2022-23 School Year was 86.2%, its second-highest ever

  •  According to the district, seven schools increased their graduation rate

  •  Eight schools in the district had a graduation rate of 95% or higher

Sumner High School in Riverview increased its graduation rate nearly 3%, and, as the largest high school in Hillsborough County, principal Christine Wasylkiw said it’s a direct reflection on the work they’ve done with students to keep them motivated. 

“We know that the No. 1 thing is linking them and making sure they feel that sense of home, that they have an adult on campus they can go to for that support," she said. "Whether that be academics or any other needs they may have."

She says focusing on each individual student's needs has been key to increasing the school’s graduation rate, which is 91.7% — a 2.7% increase. Wasylkiw says it’s thanks to unique programs like the Latinos in Action class.

“We have our kiddos being leaders on campus, helping, getting out in the neighborhoods, partnering with neighboring schools, and they do a lot of that leadership work here on our own campus,” she said.

Wasylkiw said considering the school is made up of 40% Hispanic students, classes like Latinos in Action give students a place to feel at home while at school, which in turn keeps them motivated to graduate. She said getting families involved is also key.

“Last night we had a destination graduation event where our faculty was here to answer any questions about the upcoming assessments so that we can help connect parents and students with the skills and resources they need,” Wasylkiw said.

And thanks to her dedicated staff — everyone from the teachers to bus drivers — Wasylkiw said they will continue increasing the graduation rate, one Sumner Stingray at a time. 

Sumner High School was one of seven in Hillsborough County that the district recognized for increasing their graduation rate. Eight schools had graduation rates of more than 95%.