April 27, 2010 > Race to the Top follow-up Race to the Top follow-up By Alissa Gwynn This March, Mission San Jose High School (MSJHS) entered the President's Race to the Top Commencement challenge. According to the White House, "The Commencement Challenge, launched in late February, invited the nation's public high schools to submit applications showing their dedication to providing students with an excellent education that will prepare them to graduate ready for college and career choices." The six finalists include: Blue Valley Northwest High School (Overland Park, Kansas), Clark Montessori Junior High and High School (Cincinnati, Ohio), Denver School of Science and Technology (Denver, Colorado), Environmental Charter High School (Lawndale, California), Kalamazoo Central High School (Kalamazoo, Michigan), and MAST Academy (Miami, Florida). The president will deliver the commencement address at the winner's school later this spring. Although MSJH was not selected to be among the six finalists, the extensive application, including four essay questions, a two-minute long video, and supplemental data, is a testament to MSJH students' drive and dedication ensuring them an example to our nation's other high schools.