Gilbert Stuart Middle School Wins “Get Schooled” Fall Attendance Challenge

April 28, 2017 5:28 pm

By: Tim Studebaker

It was an all out party in the auditorium at Gilbert Stuart Middle School Friday, and they had reason to celebrate.

The school’s Principal, Scott Sutherland, says, "Our school had a low attendance, and we increased our attendance 3% against all schools nationally."

The party was hosted by non–profit "Get Schooled," after the school came in first out of 158 schools in their Fall Attendance Challenge. They are now the third Providence school in the past 4 years to win the challenge.

Sutherland says, "[The students] come from a neighborhood where the students don’t get a lot of recognition. To be national winners, it means a lot to our students."

The school was presented with a check for $5,000, and as part of the party, a famous face took over as Principal for the day: actor, comedian, and Saturday Night Live alum Jay Pharoah.

Pharoah says, "It’s all about the kids. If they see somebody come out and support them, that will give them incentive to keep doing what they’re doing, and be better as students and individuals. I think that’s very important."

And, of course, the kids loved it. Some even got to meet Jay backstage.

Lyzairy Rodriguez, the 6^th Grade Class President at the school, says, "It was fun. He was really funny. We were signing things, and some kids drew things on the wall. He was just being creative and writing things on the wall, making pictures. So, it was a good experience."