Oakland HS celebrates academic achievements

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Oakland Skyline High School threw a big party in the middle of the school on Tuesday called "Climb the Mountain of Success."

Complete with music, games and food, the event was designed to honor hundreds of Skyline students who are making the grade in the classroom.

"We feel that it's very important for us to recognize student success," Skyline Assistant Principal Vinnie Blye said. "As students see themselves as being successful, they'll put forth an even better effort."

The event was funded with alumni donations and school administrators plan to make it an annual affair.

About 800 of Skyline's 1,900 students were invited to the party, which honored all those who achieved a grade point of average of 3.0 or better this past semester. In addition, any student who improved their GPA by at least a half point was also invited.

"It was hard, but I worked toward my goal," student Rashidi Mason said. "I kind of slacked last year, but I picked it up this year and like improved."

Oakland Mayor Jean Quan spoke at the event, and pointed out that only about one-third of the district's African American males actually graduate from high school.

"The reality is that Oakland is a district of many different kinds of schools, and many of the schools in the hills and the midlands are among the best in the state," she said.

Both of Quan's children graduated from Skyline and went on to attend Ivy League colleges.

Current Skyline basketball player Kendall Segers told ABC7 he's carrying a 3.6 GPA and hopes to earn an athletic scholarship.

"If you want to get a good job and live a healthy life, that's why I say get good grades," he said.

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oakland, jean quan, school athletics, education, laura anthony

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