Middleton High School students will have an extra special prom this year because of their pledges to continue learning or training beyond high school.

The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation’s Go On Campaign awarded Middleton High the “Go On School of the Year.” The distinction gives the students an all-expenses paid day at Big Al’s in Meridian, which includes bowling, dancing and plenty of food and drinks.

Middleton High won this special treat because about 85 percent of the students signed a pledge to “go on” studying beyond high school. Most students at Middleton take advisory classes that focus on careers and education beyond high school. They also learn to build resumes and take college entrance exams.

“We want our kids not only to come to school, but be prepared to go on to post secondary opportunities, and this is one of our focuses. This is our theme,” Principal Mike Williams told KTVB, which posted a video of the students receiving the award during a surprise assembly. “Let’s go on, let’s do more than just go to high school.”

Idaho ranks 47th in the nation for number of students who go on to college, vocational training or the military after high school.

Disclosure: Idaho Education News is funded by a grant from the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation.