WAYCROSS, Ga. – Ruskin Elementary School received the 2024 Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Lighthouse Award (BRSE), the highest award given by the organization.
It’s the first school in the Ware County School District to receive this award.
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“Earning the status of a Lighthouse School is no easy feat,” Superintendent Bert Smith said. “Some schools work for a couple of years or more to gain this level of recognition, while others never achieve it.”
The BRSE evaluated schools based on student focus, school organization, standards and curriculum, technology integration, and more.
“Ruskin accomplished this task in a matter of months simply because they didn’t have to change much in order to achieve the recognition,” Smith said.
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Students and staff gathered on Thursday to celebrate the award.
“We have received this recognition because of the tremendous work manifested by our students, faculty, staff, and families,” Principal Donna Solomon said. “We have always known what a special place this is, and it is validating that Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc. bestowed us its highest honor!”
Watch the video of the students singing to celebrate.
Designation as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School spans five years after which Ruskin Elementary will be eligible for renewal of this recognition.
Ruskin Elementary and Principal Solomon will be honored at the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Conference in Orlando, Florida on December 5th.
