MOUNT VERNON — One of 19 schools in Ohio. One of 353 schools in the nation.
Those are the odds East Elementary met to be titled a Blue Ribbon School on Friday.
The 240-plus student body and faculty wore blue “Blue Ribbon School” shirts inside the elementary’s gymnasium awaiting to celebrate the now twice-earned achievement of academic excellence.
Becoming a Blue Ribbon School recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools based on overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
In 2014 East Elementary won the award based on gap closing.
East Elementary Principal Karly Watterson said the process in earning such a distinction includes building relationships with students and teachers throughout the grade levels — by meeting kids academically and setting and achieving goals.
“To be recognized for the hard work year after year–is amazing,” Watterson said. “To earn this award twice within nine years of each other is amazing.”
Superintendent Bill Seder, Mayor Matt Starr and Knox County statehouse Rep. Darrell Kick were in attendance to congratulate those who made it successful.
Starr gifted the elementary students and staff with a proclamation, declaring Friday East Elementary Day.
“This is a big deal,” Mayor Matt Starr said. “This is a big deal for the city.”
Seder echoed Starr’s remarks, saying he’s incredibly proud of East Elementary students.
Blue confetti popped into the sky and filled the room as students and staff danced to the song “Celebration,” marking their success.