Kosciusko High School Named a 2025 School of Excellence by ACT’s American College Application Campaign

For Immediate Release: April 15, 2025; Contact: Kierstan Dufour, kdufour@get2college.org, 601-321-5531

KOSCIUSKO, MISS. — Kosciusko High School is one of only 26 schools nationwide honored by ACT®’s American College Application Campaign (ACAC) as a 2025 School of Excellence. This recognition highlights the school’s commitment to increasing the number of first-generation college students and students from under-resourced communities pursuing a college degree or other higher education credentials. 

“We would like to congratulate everyone involved in Mississippi high schools who played a vital role in hosting college application events across our state,” said Kierstan Dufour, Director of External Training and Partnerships at Get2College and State Co-Coodinator. “Congratulations to the staff, volunteers, and students at Kosciusko High School for this outstanding accomplishment, and for empowering students from all backgrounds to apply to college.” 

Kosciusko High School’s college application event, coordinated by Teresa Trussell, Career Coach Coordinator, was a key contributor to the success of College Countdown Mississippi and the national campaign. The event resulted in: 

• 205 college applications submitted 
• 129 seniors participating 
• 59.09% of participants identifying as first-generation students 
• 77.27% of participants applying to college for the first time 

“Seeing our students take that first step toward college was incredibly rewarding,” said Teresa Trussell, Career Coach Coordinator at Kosciusko High School. “Many of our students are the first in their families to apply, and events like this give them the confidence, support, and opportunity to realize that college is within their reach.” 

The college application process can be one of the most intimidating parts of a student’s high school experience. Schools like Kosciusko High School help students understand each step and host events that empower them to successfully complete their applications. 

The college application events held in 2025 contributed to record-breaking national participation. Nearly two million seniors attended events nationwide and submitted more than 2.6 million college applications—demonstrating the impact of coordinated efforts to support students on their path to higher education. 

Each year, College Countdown Mississippi works with designated coordinators statewide to host college application events and reach students in their schools and communities, encouraging them to apply to college. Activities include application drives, financial aid workshops, career exploration events, and one-on-one mentoring to support academic and career planning. 

Nationally, the American College Application Campaign has served nearly 4.7 million students who have submitted nearly 8.7 million applications since 2005. 

College Countdown Mississippi aims to provide every graduating high school senior the opportunity to apply to college at an Application Day event, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and celebrate their postsecondary plans at College Signing Days. This statewide campaign is a partnership initiative involving the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, Mississippi Community College Board, Mississippi Department of Education, and Get2College. To learn more, visit get2college.org/college-countdown. 

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About Woodward Hines Education Foundation 

Since its inception, WHEF has worked to increase college access and entry for people in Mississippi and has expanded that work to support promising practices that lead to college persistence and completion. The foundation envisions a Mississippi where all people can secure the training and education beyond high school that will allow them to advance their quality of life, strengthen their communities, and contribute to a vibrant and prosperous future for the state. Learn more about WHEF by visiting www.woodwardhines.org. 

About Get2College 

Get2College, the flagship program of the Woodward Hines Education Foundation, is committed to providing excellent college planning services to Mississippi families to help students get to college and be successful there. The program offers free, comprehensive help to plan, prepare, and pay for education after high school as well as support for students to persist through and complete their education. Get2College also offers direct support to high school counselors and college-planning training to high school counselors, educators, and school leaders. Learn more about Get2College by visiting www.get2college.org.

About the American College Application Campaign 

The American College Application Campaign (ACAC), a national initiative of ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning, is designed to increase the number of first-generation college students and students from low-income families who pursue a postsecondary degree. The purpose is to assist high school seniors as they navigate the college application and admissions process and ensure each participating student submits at least one admissions application. https://equityinlearning.act.org/acac/  

About ACT® 

ACT’s Center for Impact and Learning builds on ACT’s more than 65-year commitment to empower every student to realize their full potential by overcoming systemic barriers to education and workplace success. Through targeted programs, collaborations, and resources, the Center illuminates effective strategies for success and advocates for equitable solutions. By investing in effective impact-focused organizations and visionary leaders, the Center supports efforts to achieve measurable improvements for all. Committed to advancing ACT’s mission, the Center actively works to bridge opportunity gaps and foster equitable outcomes for learners from all backgrounds. Visit us at https://impactandlearning.act.org.