Additionally, the acknowledgment carries special significance in North Carolina, where the first College Application Day began in 2005 before growing into a national effort to expand college access. Seventy-First High School continues that legacy through its college application initiatives, helping remove barriers to higher education and strengthening a college-going culture for all students.
During the 2025-26 school year, Seventy-First High School's graduating class included 326 seniors. As part of North Carolina’s ‘Countdown to College’ campaign, 131 of their students participated in college application events, resulting in 277 college applications submitted during the campaign.
What set Seventy-First High School apart was its comprehensive approach to supporting students and families throughout the college-going process. School leaders created multiple opportunities for students to receive hands-on assistance while also ensuring families had the information they needed to support their students' futures. The school hosted a Senior Parent Night attended by approximately 60 families, where participants learned about applying to college and paying for college. A Military Family Night welcomed about 30 families and featured information on military education benefits, scholarships, representatives from the U.S. Military Service Academies, and the Military Child Education Coalition.
During College Application Week, which falls during the third week in October, students received personalized assistance completing college applications, navigating North Carolina Residency Determination Service (RDS) requirements, and beginning the FAFSA application process during the school day. To celebrate this important milestone, participating seniors enjoyed donuts and proudly signed a large "I Applied" poster, creating a visible reminder throughout the school that planning for life after high school is an achievement worth commemorating.
“As a school counselor, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping students believe in themselves and that their goals after high school are possible, regardless of their circumstances or what others may say,” said Tiara Parker, Seventy-First High School’s Senior and Lead School Counselor. “For many years, the Countdown to College campaign has allowed us to create a welcoming space where students can receive support, ask questions, and navigate a process that can often feel overwhelming.”
These intentional efforts helped ensure students from all backgrounds — including first-generation college students, military-connected families, students facing financial challenges, and those exploring a variety of postsecondary pathways — had access to the support and resources needed to make informed decisions about their futures.
Parker adds, “Being part of the ACT American College Application Campaign helped us realize that what we have been doing all along wasn’t in vain. We love our students and are committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to pursue their postsecondary goals. We’re honored to be recognized as an ACT ACAC School of Excellence and grateful for ACT’s partnership in helping us support students as they take this important step toward their future.”
Seventy-First High School's recognition as an ACT ACAC School of Excellence reflects its unwavering commitment to student success and its dedication to making college and career opportunities accessible to every senior. By fostering meaningful partnerships, engaging families, and providing individualized support, the school exemplifies the mission of North Carolina's ‘Countdown to College’ campaign and continues to inspire students to take confident steps toward achieving their goals.
Find all the resources and information to create your own ACT ACAC event and participate in the national social media campaign, #WhyApply Day, which takes place on Sept. 18, here.