Wapato Middle School and the District are getting a Gold Star from Governor Jay Inslee.  The recognition is the result of the Middle School signing up more than 70-percent of eligible students for the College Bound Scholarship.  Wapato had 185 of 240 eligible students sign-up.  Schools that exceeded the state sign-up rate of 70-percent are receiving the Gold Star Awards.  More than 30,000 of last year’s eighth graders statewide signed up for the scholarship. 

Statistics show students who sign up for the scholarship graduate from high school and enroll in college at higher rates than their low-income peers.  Eligible students must sign up in middle school, by the end of their eighth grade year, to receive this early commitment of state funding. In combination with other state aid, the scholarship covers tuition at public college rates. To receive the scholarship, students must enroll in an eligible college within one year of high school graduation.