Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/91307
AN 'OPEN WORLD' Booker High School students talk with International Baccalaureate program staff. Photo by Scott Proffitt BOOKER HIGH SCHOOL HAS BECOME THE FIRST SCHOOL IN THE WORLD TO LINK WITH AN EXISTING INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM, THANKS TO A PARTNERSHIP WITH RIVERVIEW HIGH By Scott Proffitt Staff Writer As if parent and student affirmations were not adequate to convey the success of Riverview High School's International Baccalaureate, or IB, program, the school's recent selection as one of four — out of more than 4,000 — to participate in a new IB program made that clear. The international offic- es of IB, a 45-year-old nonprofit organiza- tion operating in 144 countries, recently an- nounced the selection. "This [new program's success] is due in large part because of the visionary leadership of Dr. [Rachel] Shelley (principal of Booker High)," said Stephen Cantees, executive director of secondary schools for the Sarasota County Schools district. It is an absolutely amazing opportunity for our two schools. I'm really, really pleased. Riverview High School Linda Nook Principal "Dr. Shelley was con- cerned about not be- ing able to offer the full diploma program because of the size of the school," Riverview Principal Linda Nook