In a video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cpj83eGbF5w) that debuted Friday as part of The Promise of Oregon campaign, high school students describe overcoming obstacles and ultimately celebrating graduation in 2017.

The "Graduation is victory!" video was filmed at Bethel SD (Eugene), Reynolds SD (Portland), Astoria SD and Eagle Point SD (north of Medford). The video is the second in a series of Promise efforts in 2017-18 focusing on improving graduation rates at Oregon high schools statewide. Coming in 2018: expressions of #GRADitude: young people thank those who have kept them on the graduation path.

In addition to the new video, the Promise website (www.promiseoregon.org) contains new resources related to graduation. On the homepage, click on the "Graduation" tab.

The "Promise" campaign, which launched in 2014, aims to create public support for K-14 education, to help meet the state's 40-40-20 goals and lift student achievement and graduation rates. The newest video is among several featured on the campaign website.

The "Promise" campaign is being coordinated by the Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA). The campaign is based on two defining principles: 1) Today's students are Oregon's greatest natural resource. 2) We as Oregonians must invest in our public schools so the next generation can reach its potential.

OSBA is a member services agency for more than 200 locally elected boards serving school districts, education service districts and community colleges. It also provides services to charter schools and their boards.
Website: promiseoregon.org
Twitter and Instagram: @PromiseOregon
Facebook and YouTube: ThePromiseofOregon