For the ninth year in a row, Lathrop High School has earned the prestigious Career Choices Medal, earning silver and joining an elite group of schools nationwide recognized for their outstanding life- and career-planning programs.

Presented by curriculum publisher Academic Innovations, the award honors schools that demonstrate excellence in preparing students for success in college, careers, and life. Lathrop High continues to lead with distinction, utilizing the Career Choices series curriculum and My10yearPlan.com® to help students craft long-term, skills-based plans for their futures.

“This course gives students the tools to understand what their future might look like—and how to shape it,” said Laura Freret, Lathrop High teacher and program coordinator. “They’re learning to build a life with intention. That includes setting measurable goals, developing resumes, and preparing for real-world challenges like budgeting and job interviews.”

The Career Choices Medal recognizes schools that show measurable progress in college and career readiness, post-secondary planning, and workforce preparation. It also honors a school’s commitment to providing equitable, future-focused education to all students.

“It’s always a joy to spotlight educators who are making a difference, but the biggest winners are the students and the communities they’ll go on to lead,” said Mindy Bingham, author of the Career Choices curriculum and CEO of Academic Innovations. “Thanks to the work of the team at Lathrop High, students are building actionable 10-year plans that give them a head start on life beyond high school.”

Lathrop’s program has evolved significantly over the years. This year, five different educators delivered the course—including teachers of mainstream, special education, and English learner sections—demonstrating the curriculum’s flexibility and wide-reaching impact. A collaborative pacing guide, integrated formative assessments, and a signature mock interview final all contribute to a deeply engaging and practical experience.

Teachers report meaningful growth among students, particularly when they realize the true cost of living in Chapter 4’s budgeting unit or reflect on the value of doing work they enjoy. “It’s those ‘aha’ moments that matter most,” said Freret. “When students understand the connection between effort and opportunity, they start to take ownership of their futures.”

As Lathrop High celebrates its ninth consecutive Career Choices Medal, it remains a powerful example of what’s possible when schools center students in planning for lifelong success