The Pike County School System is in a class of its own.
The information PCHS Principal Willie Wright shared with Brundidge Rotarians Wednesday was more than enough to back up his statement.
Not only does the system have a Business and Finance Academy and a Financial Literacy Program at PCHS and a Science and Agriculture Academy at Goshen High School, the Pike County School System is the first in the state to offer its students a Virtual High School program and an aviation academy.
Wright said he is excited about the opportunities offered to the students at PCHS.
“Our students in the Business and Finance Academy can earn an associate degree from Enterprise State Community College and our Global Studies students take classes at Troy University and enter college as sophomores.
“Pike County High School has stepped out. Our attitude is not that ‘we can be’ but ‘we will be.’”
Wright said the Virtual High School will offer credit recovery to students who have fallen behind and accelerated programs for students who are high achievers.
While the state of Alabama requires 24 credits for students to graduate high school, PCHS require 30.
“Academics are stressed at PCHS and we want our students to be prepared for college, trade school, the military or the workplace when they graduate,” Wright said. “About 85 percent of our graduating seniors go to college or to the military.
“At PCHS it’s all about expectations. Our students understand that consequences come with mistakes at school and in life. Our goal is to prepare them for success.”
It would be difficult for anyone to talk about Pike County High School and not talk about football. Wright did and he gave fair warning.
“We’ve got a good group of players who are self-motivated on the field and in the classroom,” Wright said. “We’ve had a lull in football but this group of players has the ability to put PCHS football back on the map.”
Wright said the girls’ sports programs are also important and offer opportunities for young women to  compete on the playing field.
Wright spoke briefly on the city recreation program, which is being administered by the Pike County School System.
“We have a lot of kids competing in baseball, softball, basketball and football,” he said.
“This year, we had a Miracle League team. The recreation program is growing and it’s one of the best things the System has done.”