On October 11, 2023, the Talladega Seven Organization kicked off its annual Commitment to Graduate (C2G) Program at Talladega High School with the freshman class pledging to remain committed throughout their high school journey.  The C2G Program was formed in 2020, with a partnership between Talladega High School and the Talladega Seven Organization.  Together, an initiative was formed to address the growing need of reducing the student dropout and failure rate within Talladega High School.   As ninth grade students transition from middle school to high school, the C2G Program is there to guide them in a myriad of ways.  The freshman students were presented with a way to begin building their foundation by using successful grade level tactics and resources that are now available to them as they begin to learn the value of earning a high school diploma.

 

C2G provides the framework and materials to:

 

• Lower the dropout rate

• Encourage a sense of pride for self and school

• Open the door to your students’ futures

• Create a support system

• Engage communities and business partners

• Strategize to increase parent involvement in schools

 

 

The Talladega Seven Organization partnered with the Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention Organization (ASAP) headquartered in Oxford to provide this year’s guest speaker.  Mr. DeMarco Curry Truss provided the incoming freshman with vital information for goal-setting that focuses on helping them get prepared for their future.  Mr. Truss led off his presentation by securing every students willingness to set a career goal beyond high school.  He re-emphasized the importance of utilizing the tools and resources found in the C2G Program as they strive for completion of their four-year requirements.   He informed the students that their hard work and effort will lead them to successfully fulfilling their desires for higher education, vocation and trade schools, the military, and entering directly enter the workforce.

 

The completion of the C2G Ceremony ended with all freshman students of school year 2023-2024 pledging their commitment to graduate by signing their names on a banner that will be strategically placed within the school as way to help them remember their pledge, remain focused and the resources that are available to them.