Sedalia Elementary School, in southeastern Graves County, is recognized as one of only 304 schools nationwide with the title of U.S. Department of Education 2010 National Blue Ribbon School. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the official recognition at mid-morning Thursday, Sept. 9. Pictured clockwise, from left, are principal Robert Braden, guidance counselor Laura Phillips, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Instruction Kim Harrison, second grade teacher and District Instructional Leadership Team member Allyssa Binkley, and fifth grade student Nathan Chambers. The group gathered in the computer lab to watch the announcement from Washington, D.C. Braden said, “I think it’s great for our school, our community, our faculty and staff, and our kids at Sedalia. They work hard. They deserve it! This is over a five-year period, so it shows we’ve sustained the excellence over time.” Harrison added, “Sedalia Elementary has consistently proved itself high in student learning for several years here in Graves County. They are a team of educators, community members, and staff that work together for the good of kids. And, when you work together like that, it definitely shows high student learning in all areas. Sedalia is a perfect example of that.” Chambers, who has always attended school in the new Sedalia building, said of the Blue Ribbon honor, “It’s pretty cool.” Another Graves County school, Farmington Elementary was recognized as a 2007 National Blue Ribbon School.
(Photo by Paul Schaumburg, Graves County Schools)
