Grad Track Teacher Spotlight: Ashley Herrington

Helping students achieve their goal of graduating is a large undertaking and requires the help of many caring individuals. Students need to know they have people who will be there to support them every day they come to school. This is especially true for at-risk or struggling students. Students at Apalachee High School know Ashley Herrington is one of those teachers who they can count on to support them regardless of their circumstances.

Ms. Herrington is a social studies teacher at Apalachee and is also the JV and Varsity Football Cheerleading coach. Additionally, she works at Foothills as a social studies teacher and instructional coach. She brings her positive attitude and content expertise to the work she does at Apalachee and Foothills. Ms. Herrington earned her bachelor's degree in history with a certification in 6-12th grade education from Georgia Gwinnett College. She is also currently working on a master's degree in curriculum and instruction at Valdosta State University.

Ms. Herrington is a true asset to the students at Apalachee and she goes above and beyond to help students find success. She is a teacher who supports all of her students but pays special attention to the students who are at risk of not graduating. Her care and love for her students is visible every day and she is an invaluable resource for Apalachee. She has an amazing ability to connect with students and holds all of them to high standards. Ms. Herrington is compassionate, but her students also know she will hold them accountable.

Ms. Herrington says, “My passion for helping students graduate emerged from two students I worked with during my first year of teaching. These two students faced various obstacles during their high school career and the moment they walked across the graduation stage I felt so much pride. I played such a small role in these two students' lives, but they truly impacted the way I approach every student which is with the goal of graduation at the forefront.” And this sentiment is present each day. She is always striving to make sure students know she is there to support them.

Another thing that stands out about Ms. Herrington is how she coaches her students to believe in themselves and in their abilities. She goes to great lengths to make sure her students know they can achieve their goals, and she refuses to let them think they cannot. Her tenacity is truly remarkable, and she will not let students quit even when they feel like the obstacles in front of them are too great. Ms. Herrington is a perpetual cheerleader for her students. This makes such a difference not only in their academic lives but also their personal lives. She instills values that will benefit them greatly when they leave the halls of Apalachee.

We are proud of our students who are on the “Grad Track.” A Grad Track student has either failed one or more academic classes and/or is behind in credits needed for graduation with their cohort class. Graduation Specialists at all three Barrow County School System (BCSS) high schools support students who meet these qualifications.