‘I just want to say, Clarkston rocks.?
Clarkston Middle School principal Linda Foran was all smiles as she accepted Michigan’s Department of Education Blue Ribbon award during a special assembly on May 5 in the school’s gym.
Attending the assembly was the middle school’s entire student body and staff members, as well as the board of education, Blue Ribbon committee members and various community leaders.
‘We have always known hard work goes on in this building,? Karen Foyteck, board of education president, said.
‘I can’t think of a more wonderful thing than to be surrounded by the community,? Elizabeth Bauer, State Board of Education, said. ‘Community and schools go hand in hand.?
CMS was one of 13 schools in Michigan to receive the award. Clarkston High School also received Blue Ribbon recognition earlier in 2004.
‘Clarkston Middle School is more than a collection of classes that students master,? Dr. Al Roberts, Clarkston Schools superintendent, said. ‘It is a blue ribbon school.?
Students filling the gym’s bleachers wore special blue ribbon t-shirts during the assembly as they were treated to the sounds of the seventh and eighth grade choir.
‘This is a really great day. Just like the crescendo at the end of music,? Bauer said.
County commissioner Tom Middleton presented the school with special tributes from Governor Jennifer Granholm and Rep. John Stakoe in addition to the state honor.
During the acceptance of the award, Foran described the detailed process to apply for the award and the hard work required from the school’s staff.
‘Throughout the application process, the same message kept coming through,? Foran said. ‘Our students were number one.?
Bauer was pleased with the large turnout for the ceremony, especially from the 1,061 students. She believed that part of what made CMS so unique was its inclusion of all students, whether it be through activities, staff participation or special education endeavors.
‘When you have an inclusive environment, you have very high expectations,? Bauer said. ‘When you have those, you get perfection. Everybody is involved and expected to excel. By in large, you come together.?
In addition to the detailed application staff members completed, a site visit from the Department of Education was also conducted. Middle and high schools were eligible for recognition this year as they alternate with elementary schools every other year.