Celebrating Record-Breaking Success in 2024–2025
The 2024–2025 school year was one to remember for Rome City Schools, marked by record-breaking milestones, academic excellence, artistic achievement, and athletic triumphs. From classroom successes to state championships, the district saw a year full of reasons to celebrate.
Perhaps nothing captured the spirit of the year more than the emotional graduation ceremony at Barron Stadium, where a record 480 students crossed the stage. As the final notes of the alma mater rang out, students and faculty stood together, arms linked—united in pride and purpose. Smiles, hugs, and tears of joy reflected the deep bond shared by the Class of 2025 and the educators who helped them reach that moment.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
This graduating class not only set a new school record in size but also achieved more than $12 million in scholarship awards. Along the way, students earned prestigious accolades at the local, state, regional, and national levels.
Earlier in the year, the Georgia Department of Education announced that Rome High School’s graduation rate rose to 95.3%, placing the school among just 44 districts in the state to reach a rate of 95% or higher.
“I’m very proud of all our students, and I’m proud of our faculty and staff for making sure our students not only receive a top-tier education but also graduate with the skills they need for success,” said Rome High School Principal Parke Wilkinson.
Academic excellence was evident across all grade levels. Rome Middle School earned special recognition as a Georgia Math Leader School, with 98% of students scoring proficient or higher in Algebra. Georgia State Superintendent Richard Woods visited the school in the spring to present the official banner and applaud the school’s success.
“This is bragging rights for Rome Middle School,” Woods said during his visit. “My hope is that next year I will be back with ribbons to add to your banner along with additional banners for the other schools.”
STUDENT SAFETY
Safety also remained a top priority throughout the district. All Rome City Schools received the prestigious Ready Georgia Seal of Preparedness from the Georgia Department of Education and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency. The seal recognizes schools that go above and beyond in emergency preparedness planning and risk mitigation. Only 141 schools in the state received this honor in 2024–2025.
“We are extremely proud of all our schools for receiving this honor,” said John Fricks, Director of Instructional Technology, Safety, and Operations.
“The safety of our staff and students is a top priority for Rome City Schools, and this award supports our Keeping Schools Safe initiative. We will continue to implement innovative safety concepts to remain on the cutting edge.”
ACCOLADES FOR FINE ARTS
The district’s Fine Arts programs continued to flourish. Both the high school and middle school bands earned superior ratings at Large Group Performance Evaluations and wowed crowds at the Peach State Marching Band Competition held at Barron Stadium. The jazz bands also performed to a full house during the Night of Dreams showcase.
Rome High School’s Theater Department impressed audiences with a full season of stellar performances, culminating in a Region One Act Play title. Meanwhile, the choral and show choir programs soared, with Grand Finale—the high school’s show choir—placing highly in multiple competitions and finishing the season ranked 5th in the Southeast.
ATHLETIC DOMINANCE
Athletics added to the district’s stellar year, with Rome High School teams earning several region championships. The Wolves football team claimed its fourth consecutive region title, while boys tennis, boys golf, boys soccer, and girls cross country also took home regional crowns. Numerous student-athletes were named to All-Region and All-State teams for their achievements.
Rome Middle School made headlines as well, with both the seventh and eighth grade football teams winning state titles in the Georgia Middle School Association—a rare and impressive feat.
Superintendent Dr. Eric Holland often shares a favorite piece of advice with students: “Never let anyone tell you the sky is the limit when we have footprints on the moon.”
That sentiment reflects the extraordinary achievements of Rome City Schools this year.
From academics to arts to athletics, Rome City Schools set the bar high in 2024–2025, proving once again that excellence is not just a goal—it’s a tradition.