SPIRIT LAKE — Timberlake High School recently became the first school in Idaho to be nominated for the American College Application Campaign’s School of Excellence Award.

Jenni Kimball, college and career advising program manager for the Idaho State Board of Education, praised the school administration’s efforts to ensure every senior applied to at least one during the Idaho College Month initiative. 

Their school's effort pushed it well over the mark for planning futures and college preparedness. Award winners will be announced in March or early April.

As the school’s nominator, Kimball said she appreciated Sebastian Kelley’s dedication as college and career adviser to the students. She said every senior at Timberlake applied to at least one college using the Apply Idaho application, compared to 54% of all seniors in Idaho. 

Timberlake Principal Ryne Eberlin noted the school has repeatedly ranked at or near the top of ELA and math scores as well as graduation rate. Nationwide, Timberlake is one of 26 high schools nationwide competing for the honor.

Kelley said his goal has been to provide different opportunities for students to learn about options for secondary education. 

Timberlake was able to accomplish the preparedness goals by frequently having college representatives and different career paths on campus for students to engage with during lunch periods as well as offering college tour opportunities. 

“When students have come back from these events they have told me they are so excited to apply for college or trade school,” Kelley said.

Kelley said college and career advisers needed to get to know every senior on a direct basis to make the 100% college application objective a reality.