Jefferson-Craig Elementary School earned the “Blue Ribbon” award this past fall — the highest honor that a school can earn in the nation.
At Monday’s meeting of the Switzerland County School Board, Jefferson-Craig principal Darrell Hansel was honored for his leadership and service to the school.
The “Salute to Leadership” award was presented by the National Association of Elementary School Principals; the National Middle School Association; and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. At Monday’s meeting, school superintendent Tracy Caddell read a congratulatory letter from the associations to Darrell Hansel; and a plaque commemorating the achievement was presented by school board president Jack Ranz.
The letter reads:
“Our warmest congratulations to you and your staff at Jefferson-Craig Elementary School for being singled out as a model of excellence among the nation’s schools. You’ve brought great honor to your students, staff, parents, and the greater community with your exemplary school program the was commended by the U.S. Department of Education’s ‘No Child Left Behind — Blue Ribbon Schools Program’….
“Your outstanding school has demonstrated solid and improved academic achievement for students and confirmed an educational program that serves every student regardless of ability and background. You have established an effective relationship with your greater community as well. As your school’s leader, the one who truly is critical to a school’s success, you are a credit to your profession.
“On behalf of the thousands of members of the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Middle School Association; and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, we are so pleased to honor you again with our ‘Salute to Leadership’ award. We urge you to enjoy your honor for many years to come. You deserve it.”
Receiving the plaque, Darrell Hansel said that this is truly a team effort.
“My name may be on this honor, but this is truly shared by all of our staff and students,” Darrell Hansel said.