Savannah Standard

The American College Application Campaign (ACAC) has honored Sol C. Johnson High School as a 2022 School of Excellence, making it the only school in Georgia to receive this recognition this year. The award acknowledges schools that have increased the number of first-generation college students and those from low-income families pursuing higher education. Nationwide, Johnson High is one of 23 schools recognized for aiding students in postsecondary success during the 2022-23 school year.

The school's counselors and staff organized a campaign to assist students with their postsecondary education plans. Through the Georgia Apply to College Campaign, Johnson High hosted multiple college recruitment fairs, bringing over 25 colleges to campus throughout the year. Additionally, the Counseling Department arranged weekly "Career Conversations," where professionals from various fields spoke with juniors and seniors about their careers, college majors, and necessary job training.

Events like "FAFSA Day" and "Apply to College Week" were held at the school alongside visits from college and military representatives. Angela Corinthian, a school counselor instrumental in organizing these events, emphasized the importance of providing students opportunities to engage with representatives from diverse fields while exploring their post-high school options.

Jenniya Sams, Student Council President and senior at Johnson High, shared advice for fellow seniors preparing for college: "Find resources in places you would never think about going. When your teacher says 'talk to this person,' go talk to them because they might be someone [worth talking to.]"

A plaque was presented by ACAC on April 19, 2023, celebrating Johnson High's achievements as a School of Excellence. Principal Derrick Muhammad expressed his pride: “This is a great honor for Sol C. Johnson High School... It's important that every student that wants to attend Post-Secondary School can do so."

Lisa King, ACAC Director stated: “There could not be a more critical time for us all to support students and educators... We are extremely proud of this year's School of Excellence awardees." The winners are selected based on their commitment to student success and serving as exemplary models for their state's college application campaigns.

Since its inception in 2005, ACAC has assisted 4.2 million students nationwide in submitting over 7.3 million applications.