Kzoo Central praised after commencement

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - Calls came in to Kalamazoo Central High School on Tuesday, one day after President Barack Obama delivered the commencement speech, from as far away as California for Principal Von Washington.

Many fellow educators offered congratulations and asked questions: Why Kalamazoo Central? How did this school, of 1,700 students, win the president's commencement challenge? What is it that separated this school from all the others?

Part of the answer is tied to the Kalamazoo Promise -- the guarantee of money for college to students who qualify. But that's not all, educators said.

It's a new attitude among teachers, counselors, administrators and students. The number of people taking advanced placement classes has doubled in three years, with about 400 students opting for the tougher courses. As many as 90 percent of this year's graduating seniors will head to college.

"We're having a drum beat around college -- a drum beat around being college-ready," Washington said. "Our guidance counselors are meeting with each and every student as they work on their schedules. It's not just a mass production of -- this is what you get, here it is."

On Tuesday, the glow of the commencement could be felt in the hallways and classrooms after the day that included Air Force One, the Secret Service and a presidential address.

Retiring social studies teacher Rick Kahow stopped at a Kalamazoo restaurant for breakfast and received a standing ovation.