This article features Pierce County High School in rural southeast Georgia whose 965 students, almost half of whom are from economically disadvantaged families, have demonstrated what a focus on student learning can accomplish. In 2004, the school ranked at the bottom of the state in students passing the high school graduation tests, and only 55% of the students graduated. In 2011, 86% of the students graduated and the school ranked 17th in the state on the graduation exams. Although that is a significant accomplishment, seeing how the level of student proficiency has increased is even more striking. Teachers at Pierce County High School say that the need to always be better stems from the tone set by Principal Anthony Smith's values and leadership. He disagrees, saying that it is not his leadership, but rather it is the collective power of the group. Teacher focus groups and several motivational strategies for students have helped to foster an attitude of excellence in Pierce County.