Umatilla High School celebrated a monumental achievement as its graduation rate soars to an unprecedented 96%, marking the highest in the school’s history. Umatilla Principal Brent Fraizer and AICE Coordinator Benjamin Nash shared this momentous news this morning.

The remarkable success reflects a comprehensive improvement across all groups and categories, showcasing the school’s dedication to academic excellence. Umatilla High School has been on an impressive upward trajectory, a testament to the commitment of Lake County’s public school systems, who have significantly prioritized academics with gratifying results especially the past few years.

(These Umatilla High School students are part of the schools AICE Program. a Cambridge University program that allows students to take rigorous courses as well as course examinations that give them the opportunity to earn college credits (up to 45 credits) similar to AP – and ultimately to earn the AICE diploma.)

Principal Fraizer, brimming with pride, shared, “I am proud to share that our official graduation rate for the 2022-2023 school year has been released, and thanks to your hard work and dedication, it stands at an impressive 96%, the highest in school history.” He continued to express gratitude, stating, “I believe the key to our success lies in one simple word: Heart. Your commitment to providing better opportunities for our graduates continues to challenge and humble me. Keep inspiring our students to reach for greatness. Remember, if you can dream it and believe it, you most certainly can achieve it!”

(Florida’s 2023 Principal Of The Year Brent Fraizer of Umatilla High School praised his faculty for the hard work they have put in to achieve these goals.)

This achievement isn’t an isolated feat. Principal Fraizer, honored as the 2023 Florida Principal of the Year, has not only elevated academic standards at Umatilla High School but has also witnessed a surge in the success of the athletics programs which have also been on an upward swing recently. Students, faculty, and parents are proud to represent Umatilla High School.

The synergy of efforts is evident in the outstanding accomplishments, influencing neighboring programs positively. Leesburg High, Mount Dora High, Eustis High, Tavares High, East Ridge, Lake Minneola, and South Lake have all experienced an upward trajectory in recent years. Remarkably, all public schools this year boast graduation rates exceeding 80%, with six schools surpassing the 90% mark.

(Here is the list for graduation rates in Lake County by school.)

Lake County’s statewide graduation ranking has surged from 26th to an impressive 22nd position. This is a substantial accomplishment and the work is not done. The entire community, including faculty, volunteers, parents, and students, stands as the backbone of this success. Principal Fraizer emphasized the importance of teamwork, expressing gratitude to everyone involved in achieving these remarkable numbers.

As Umatilla High School thrives, the sentiment echoes: Go Bulldogs! The collective efforts have not only elevated one school but have contributed to the overall educational landscape in Lake County. Congratulations to all who have played a vital role in this incredible journey towards academic excellence.