From WCPSS' latest Classroom Connection: Wake County high school seniors continue to garner praise, accolades and financial rewards as this year they earned a record amount of scholarship money. A record $66.38 million in scholarships were earned by students graduating from Wake County Public School System high schools this year.

There are more students and more high schools than in past years, but the sharp increase in scholarship dollars can also be attributed to the aggressive efforts of families and students as well as encouragement by WCPSS high schools.

The $66.38 million earned by the Class of 2009 compares with the $46.78 million earned by the Class of 2008 and the $36.6 million earned by the Class of 2005. There were 8,094 students graduating in the Class of 2009. In the Class of 2008, there were 7,684 students and in the Class of 2005 there were 6,524 students.