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ELDON, IOWA -- Those part of the Cardinal Community School District have something to smile about this week.

The 2012 class had the highest graduation rate in the district’s history with 98.51%.

The state of Iowa’s graduation rate for 2012 was 89.26%.

Cardinal Community Schools Superintendent Joel Pedersen said he contributes the high percentage rates over the past few years to community support and involvement.

“The number one thing, as I always talk about, are relationships -- I talk about relationships even above interaction. Instruction is closely followed by relationships but just have to reach out to our families. Some of our families are hurting with different situations -- whether it be poverty, whether it be not being able to find work right now.  So we’re just reaching out to the families trying to build a climate and a culture where we support families and students and get them across the stage there on graduation,” said Pedersen.

Pedersen said he has no doubt that the graduation rate will hit 100% very soon.