(L-R) Harry Cook, Eastern Technical High School; Dr. David Stewart, Superintendent WV Department of Education; Karen Larry, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, WV Department of Education

More than 150 West Virginia educators and business leaders lined up for the state's first ever in-depth discussion on the importance of the senior year.

 "Strengthening the Senior Year was a true success," said State Schools Superintendent David Stewart. "I look forward to continued discussions on how to bridge the gap between high school and the next level."

The conference, hosted by the West Virginia Department of Education and Marshall University, follows the lead of the Commission on the High School Senior Year.

The national Commission, made up of educators, experts and students, recently completed a two year study called Raising Our Sights: No Senior Left Behind.

The report laid the groundwork for reforming the high school experience. The Commission recommends educators follow the "Triple A" formula: Alignment, Achievement and Alternatives.

"Students often catch 'senioritis' once they have earned enough credits to graduate," said Stewart.

"We want to bring rigor and challenge back to the students during their last year in high school through senior projects, senior seminars and internships."

Featured speakers for the conference included Maryland educator Harry J. Cook, a member of the National Commission on the High School Senior Year; Dr. Gene Bottoms, Senior Vice President, Southern Regional Education Board; and, Janis Somerville, staff officer, National Association of System Heads and analytical contributor to the National Commission on the High School Senior Year's recent study.