Local News
East, West Elementary honored as Blue Ribbon schools
By Trent Moore
Staff Writer
West Elementary School and East Elementary School have both recently been recognized by an independent group for excellence.
The two Cullman City schools have received accolades from the Blue Ribbon Schools group, which honors outstanding schools across the country.
East Elementary School was one of four schools in Alabama to earn Blue Ribbon Schools accreditation, and West Elementary School was nominated by the Alabama State Department of Education to receive a Blue Ribbon Schools award. West Elementary is among only five Alabama schools nominated, while East Elementary is among only four Alabama schools to receive Blue Ribbon accreditation, which is held to higher standards than regular accreditation.
East Elementary School Principal David Wiggins said the accreditation is a great accomplishment for him and his staff.
“This is great recognition for the efforts we all take to improve our schools,” he said. “We’re just honored to be a part of something as prestigious as this.”
West Elementary School Principal Dr. Elton Bouldin said the nomination shows the quality of not only his school, but also the system as a whole.
“This is a once-in-a-career event,” he said. “It is a significant honor for our school and community because nominations are intended to identify schools and communities as national models based upon their success in achieving high student proficiency rates on state assessments.”
The schools were deemed eligible for the awards based on exemplary test scores and other accomplishments.
Bouldin added that the nomination is a great showcase for the level of support the schools receive from the community.
“It’s a great honor for our faculty and students,” he said. “It also validates the hard work they put in, and is great for the community for us to be recognized as a great institution.”
Cullman City Schools Superintendent Dr. Jan Harris also extended her congratulations and support to the schools.
“We are very proud of these accomplishments and believe they reflect the high quality of Cullman City Schools,” she said.
In addition to being honored by Blue Ribbon Schools, both of the schools were also credited by the Cullman City Council for the accolades.
The council approved separate proclamations honoring both East and West Elementary, and the principals were on hand at a recent city council meeting to receive the proclamations.
“This is a big award for them and it means an awful lot for this community,” Cullman Mayor Max Townson said.
‰ Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.
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