Students earn money from state for scores

— “We’re here to celebrate what’s going on in Pea Ridge,” Debbie Bilyeu, science content director with the Arkansas State Department of Education Advanced, said Wednesday as she participated in a ceremony distributing $4,500 to Pea Ridge High School students.

Pea Ridge High School was one of 30 schools in the state accepted to theArkansas Advanced Initiative for Math and Science program designed to improve the advanced placement scores of students.

The goal of the program is to increase the number of students scoring 3 or higher on advanced placement exams in math, science and English.

“Some say advanced placement only belongs in Ivy League schools,” Bilyeu said. “Those folks have never been to Pea Ridge, Ark., because you’ve reallystepped up to the plate.”

Bilyeu said scores at Pea Ridge have increased and that taking advanced place ment tests helps students perform better in college, graduate on time, stay in college and earn a degree leading to a good job.

“Don’t ever settle for anything less than your best,” Bilyeu said to the students gathered in the gym.

Money for the awards is from the state Department of Education.

School, Pages 10 on 09/08/2010