Blue Ribbon Honor: Booth Elementary

MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) - Anna F. Booth Elementary School in Irvington was one of four Alabama schools honored as a "Blue Ribbon School" by the U.S. Department of Education. Fox Ten News was at the school soon after it was named a Blue Ribbon school.

At Anna F. Booth Elementary School, reading is part of the core fundamental skills that helped them achieve a prestigious award.

"Eight years ago we implemented the Reading First Grant and implemented that grant for eight consecutive years thereafter. We truly believe that grant provided us with the professional development that we needed to teach our children. With the grant they were also able to give the knowledge to meet the children's needs," Principal Lisa Williams said.

Williams said being named a Blue Ribbon school means a great deal, she's excited and honored.

"What it means to me is just further communication to our parents and our students and our community that our students are as capable or more than capable as any other students in this nation," added Williams.

"I'm very proud but not surprised. Everybody has a really great work ethic including, parents and teachers. I never worked with a group that's more dedicated and we're together on getting the goal done," reading coach Julie Salmons said.

The is the first time ever Booth has received the award. A Blue Ribbon is proudly displayed at the entrance, and the community is just as delighted.

"The parent was here when we made the announcement. She said I'm going out, I'm going to get a ribbon. She went out to a local florist and came back with a blue ribbon and pinned it to our school. It's an honor for our staff and students," Williams said.

Something tangible for the students that shows hard work really does pay off.

Nichols Elementary School in Biloxi was also named a Blue Ribbon School. The program honors schools which have seen drastic improvement in student achievement.

According to the Department of Education, 254 public and 50 private schools will be honored at an awards ceremony Nov. 15-16 in Washington, D.C.

In a statement from the Department, "Our nation has a responsibility to help all children realize their full potential," said U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan. "Schools honored with the Blue Ribbon Schools award are committed to achievement and to ensuring that students learn and succeed. Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and must receive a quality education."

It continues, "The award honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools whose students achieve at very high levels or have made significant progress and helped close gaps in achievement especially among disadvantaged and minority students. Each year since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has sought out schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals, including those that beat the odds."