The School District of Hardee County is celebrating strong gains in the 2025 graduation rates announced by Governor Ron DeSantis today.
Hardee Senior High School reached an 86.6% graduation rate, up 13.1 points from last year. Districtwide, the rate increased 12 points to 85.6%, the highest identified outside the COVID-impacted years.
Superintendent Sonja M. Bennett made graduation improvement a top priority, leading to targeted supports such as tutoring, boot camps, small-group instruction, mentoring, and student incentives. Thank you to HHS administration, staff and teachers who implemented and monitored these strategies!
“This increase reflects clear expectations and intentional support for every student,” said Superintendent Bennett.
Principal Travis Tubbs added, “It’s a great day to be a Wildcat—this progress reflects the hard work of our staff and the determination of the Class of 2025.”
Thank you to our educators, families, and partners—including Hardee County Education Foundation, Inc. - HEF—for funding activities which helped our students cross the finish line. 
The Graduation Rate Steering Committee members are pictured: front: Counselor Jackie Dean; Principal Travis Tubbs; AP Donna Block; Director Tamara Taylor; back: Counselor Stacie Harpe; AP Chad Douglas; Counselor Leigh Hayes; Director Mary Farr; Superintendent Sonja Bennett; Deputy Superintendent Sherri Albritton; Data Coach Julie Farr