WASHINGTON, DC– Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today celebrating Spokane County for being selected as a recipient of the 2014 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize. The prize is awarded to six communities annually that embody a commitment to helping residents live healthier lives.

“I commend Spokane County for its success in transforming our community’s high school graduation rate, and applaud the lasting impact they have made on bettering the lives of young people in Eastern Washington. By empowering students through skill-building training sessions and targeted dropout prevention programs, I am proud that Spokane County is enriching the lives – and contributing to the long-term success – of so many of our Eastern Washington students.”

Out of over 250 applicants from across the country, Spokane County has been recognized for its transformational role in expanding educational opportunities, and will receive a cash award of $25,000 to further these efforts. In 2006, Spokane Public Schools’ (SPS) overall graduation rate was below 60 percent, while Spokane County’s rate was 72.9 percent. Through community efforts, by 2013 the SPS graduation rate rose to 79.5 percent, and 81 percent for Spokane County. To learn more about the work Spokane County is doing, please click here.

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