KINGSPORT, TENN. – Three Dobyns-Bennett High School students have earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. The recipients of the first-ever National First-Generation Recognition Program Award include Sarah Arreola, Taylor Davis, and Rhiannon White. In addition, Sarah Arreola was also the recipient of the National Hispanic Recognition Program Award. 

The programs celebrate the hard work of thousands of high school students nationwide to help them showcase their strong academic performance. For the first time, the academic honors recognize first-generation students, in addition to rural and small town, Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic/or Latino students. The program opens college access for more students because many institutions use the awards for their recruitment efforts. 

“The faculty and staff of Dobyns-Bennett are proud of the hard work these three young adults have invested in their future,” said Dobyns-Bennett High School Principal Dr. Brian Tate. “They have challenged themselves academically and are on track for life-changing opportunities.”

The criteria for eligible students include:

• Earn a GPA of 3.3 or higher
• Score in the top 10% of state test takers on the PSAT/NMSQT
• Earn a 3+ on two or more AP exams

For more information on College Board Recognition Programs, please visit collegeboard.org.

Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program; with a total enrollment of over 7,400 students.

KCS has been ranked the "#1 Best Place to Teach in Tennessee" by the 2023 NICHE Best Schools Ranking and the City of Kingsport has been voted as the "Nicest Places in America" in the October 2022 Reader's Digest.

For more information visit www.k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or call the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (kcsdistrict), Instagram (kcs__district), and check out our YouTube Channel (@kcs__district).  

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