Encouraging news emanated from the halls of Austin High School this past week. Austin High School Principal Joe Brown indicated attendance at the high school increased to an impressive 94 percent average this year.

This year's attendance percentage was 16 percent higher than a year ago, when attendance at the high school dropped to an alarming average of 78 percent.

Under the direction of Brown and the AHS faculty, strict attendance rules were put in place this year and the plans were adhered to and executed.

The results are dramatic and something Brown, the faculty and students should be proud of.

Brown says he plans to raise the bar even more next year, shooting for an average of between 95 and 97 percent. That's a lofty goal, but one that is achievable.

Brown is right on with his philosophy of high standards. The higher expectations the community has of its high school students -- as well as all other students -- will result in the production of better quality people. The more quality people AHS can produce, the better off the entire community of Austin will be.