Bill Owens

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Washington, Jun 26 - Newcomb — The Newcomb Central School District celebrated a big milestone this year, boosting its enrollment to 101 students.

That may not seem like a lot, but considering the school had only 55 students five years ago, topping 100 is a big deal.

The turnaround began after Superintendent Skip Hults began accepting foreign exchange students. They get a uniquely Adirondack education, the locals get more diversity, and Newcomb Central fills classrooms.

The program caught the attention of Congressman Bill Owens (D-Plattsburgh), who was the guest speaker at Newcomb Central’s June 23 commencement ceremony honoring its six Class of 2012 graduates.

“This is a very practical solution, something I like to see, something I don’t often see in my new job,” Owens said. “It shows that there is a place for entrepreneurship and innovation in every aspect of our lives. Education should not be an exception but a model for such innovation. Newcomb has shown that it can be done, and I love to see that. Beyond the specifics of the educational program here in Newcomb is a larger life lesson of perseverance and rebuilding that you will take with you through all of your lives.”