As I reflect on the progress and changes at Wando in the past 10 years, the results are truly amazing. When I arrived on the scene in July, 1998, as the new principal, I could not have envisioned Wando, 2008.
Technology at old Wando was a minimal network of about 30 computers, all of which had limited Internet access.  Today, we have more than 1600 computers and a wireless overlay on this campus. Classroom instruction is technology rich and many teachers use computers, LCD projectors, InterWrite panels and SmartBoards as a part of the regular instruction. In 1998, overhead projectors were what our teachers needed. Now, the overhead projector is moving in the same direction as the typewriter.
The high school curriculum has changed dramatically in the past 10 years. Although we still offer the traditional solid coursework in English, math, science, and social studies, our elective opportunities have expanded almost exponentially. Language offerings now include Latin and German, in addition to Spanish and French. Students now have the opportunity to take four elective courses in more than 35 different career majors. Many of these courses did not exist in 1998. We now offer eight different courses in engineering and are recognized as a National Model site.  Several of these engineering courses are accepted for college credit or advanced college standing. Our Health Science offerings include biomedical science, human body systems, medical terminology, pharmacy technology, health science technology, and sports medicine. Culinary arts is another area where Wando students excel. Our Culinary Arts team placed 3rd in the nation. Information technology is another new area of study and includes courses such as digital imaging, animated computer production, and advanced animation and gaming. Business courses now include sports and entertainment marketing, digital art and design, and virtual enterprise.
Wando is organized into five smaller learning communities, or schools within the larger school. Our 9th graders enter our 9th grade Academy and then select one of our four career-related schools of study based on their college and career goals. Students show personal responsibility in selecting courses to meet their goals.  Each student is assigned a faculty advisor in addition to a guidance counselor and an administrator. Our Advanced Placement path has expanded greatly and now includes 16 different AP courses with a 2008 passage rate of 93 percent.  Dual Credit courses are another opportunity for our seniors which did not exist in 1998. This semester we have 12 sections of college classes taught by Trident Technical College professors on our campus. Students in these classes will earn high school and college credit and be able to enter college with courses like English 101 already completed. The trend toward “early out” as the typical senior schedule has ended, and instead qualified seniors are moving on to college work for a portion of the day.  
Keeping students on track to graduate is another major area of focus. Instead of placing students who have failed core courses back in the same class, we are using new technology  to provide students individualized computerized instruction where they progress at their own pace, guided by learning programs tailored to their learning levels and coached by the teacher when needed.
The overall success of the school program is reflected in every area from academics to fine arts to athletics. In 1999, the scholarship awards for the senior class totaled $3 million. The Class of 2008 earned $12 million in scholarship awards.  Ninety-four percent of the Class of 2008 planned to continue their education at post-secondary institutions. Our Arts and Communications programs regularly earn state and national awards. Our athletic department now includes 36 different teams and currently ranks 2nd in South Carolina in overall success. We have moved from a good South Carolina high school to one which is nationally recognized in many areas. We routinely have educators from other states and countries who come to learn more about what we do here.
Our success is directly related to the support of our parents, the Town of Mount Pleasant and the community as a whole. With your support, we will continue our efforts to be one of the best high schools in America.