South Florida's own Fort Lauderdale High School (FLHS) has been honored by the College Board with the prized Gaston Caperton Inspiration Award.

Recognized for their work in supporting underserved students to pursue higher education, the school was awarded $25,000 to fund their programs helping students attend college.

FLHS principal Priscilla Ribiero accepted the award from College Board Senior Vice President Peter Negroni in a recent presentation in front of students, teachers, administrators, alumni and parents.

"This is a school where the entire community — teachers, staff, parents and students — pull together to ensure student success," said FLHS Principal Priscilla Ribeiro at the ceremony. "This is a team effort every day, and I am honored to be a part of it."

As the oldest continuously functioning high school in Broward County, FLHS has been dedicated to educating students traditionally underserved in the system. FLHS now boasts an impressive 82 percent graduation rate for the class of 2011, with 94 percent of graduates going on to attend postsecondary school.

The school was also noted for its particular care for students with special circumstances, from students living in group homes or facilities for the homeless, to new students from the Caribbean and South American with limited knowledge of English and the U.S school system. The needed extra attention is available through numerous workshops and extended learning opportunities.

FLHS also has several innovative project collaborations with businesses and individuals in the community, such as the "Freshman Parent" program, which helps middle school students transition to high school with special breakout sessions in Spanish and Haitian Creole. Another pilot program, called "Step Up," provides iPads to students placed in rigorous college -level courses.

Such dedication has had a profound impact on such students like FLHS senior Adiel Benitez.

"Since the day I first came to this school, it was clear that the goal for me was to be successful and to go to college," said Benitez. "I'm ready and confident to start at the University of Florida in the fall."

"This is a very special place," said FLHS faculty member Marie Hautigan. "Our goal is to reach out and attract the most students possible and educate them to become tomorrow's successful leaders."