Arnold Elementary earns Blue Ribbon for excellence

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LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  Arnold Drive Elementary School was one of 314 schools across the country recently recognized as a 2010 National Blue Ribbon School.

The school is also one of four in Arkansas to receive the coveted award.

During a recognition event attended by base and community leaders Monday at Arnold Drive Elementary School, Col. Mike Minihan, 19th Airlift Wing commander, said students, parents and teachers are part of the "Triangle of Excellence" and praised them for their accomplishments.

"Arnold Drive Elementary is creating the future of service and excellence," said Colonel Minihan. "We always knew the quality of this school and now everyone knows."

The Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private schools meeting the criteria of being ranked among the state's highest performing schools based on state assessments.

"The award honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools whose students consistently achieve at very high levels or have made significant progress and helped close gaps in achievement especially among disadvantaged and minority students," said Terry Shaw, 19th Force Support Squadron school liaison officer. "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."

School officials see the award not as a pinnacle of success, but the start of greater things to come.

"Last year the school ranked fifth in Arkansas," said Julie Davenport, Arnold Drive Elementary School principal. "The teachers and administration were challenged to surpass their previous achievement and they went above and beyond. This staff demands success."

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan honored the National Blue Ribbon Schools Nov. 16, 2010, during an awards luncheon in Washington, D.C.

(From compiled reports)