Autumn Fields was presented with a diploma from California High School at the regular school board meeting Wednesday.
Fields' teacher Lorrie Brauner said "high school does not define you" as she praised Fields' efforts to persevere through challenges to earn the diploma through the Missouri Option program.
"I've seen her at her lows and at her highs, so now this is wonderful," Brauner said.
California has offered the Missouri Option program for nearly a decade, helping at-risk students earn their diplomas, Superintendent Dwight Sanders said.
The competency-based program, approved by the State Board of Education, is designed for full-time, public school-enrolled students, age 17 or older and at risk of not graduating with their class.
"We offer this program to students on an as-needed basis but have some students enrolled and successfully complete the program and earn their diplomas every year," Sanders said.
Fields shared a PowerPoint presentation with the board of what her plans are for the future. She plans to relocate and said she intends to earn some basic college credits.
"I'm excited to do something next," Fields said.
Also at the board meeting Wednesday, Sanders reported California schools have more than 40 students over this time a year ago.
He said that is the most growth the district has seen since 2000. Enrollment at 1,369 is the highest it's been since 2000.
The board also saw the results of the state assessments. This year, California scores exceeded the average state scores in 15 of 20 categories.
"We've seen good, solid growth," Sanders said.
He attributed part of the test score improvements to a computer program that measures what concepts student struggle with and helps teachers better meet those needs.
The schools also implemented a Response to Intervention program, which provides one-on-one help in content areas.
"I think our teachers are the No. 1 factor in good, quality growth," Sanders said.
To address the particularly low scores in the government content, the high school class has been extended from a semester to a year-long course.
"Our most concentrated effort has been in that content area," Sanders said.
In other business, the board:
Approved moving nine teachers a step over on the salary schedule as a result of their completing their master's degrees recently.
Declared 12 high school cafeteria tables obsolete, allowing a couple of local schools to reuse several of them.
Purchased a replacement John Deere mower for $6,741.
Learned the district's annual audit will be conducted Oct. 4-5.
On the web: dese.mo.gov/quality-schools/missouri-option-program