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Five Roanoke County schools earn high honors for academic excellence and dedication to student success in Virginia’s Exemplar School Recognition Program

Roanoke, Virginia – On October 24, the Virginia Board of Education announced the recognition of 141 schools across the state for their exceptional academic performance and sustained improvement under the Exemplar School Recognition Program. This program aims to spotlight schools that demonstrate both high achievement and continuous progress in their educational practices.

The honored schools were divided into two categories: 92 schools received the Board of Education Highest Achievement Award, while 49 schools earned the Board of Education Continuous Improvement Award. The Highest Achievement Award celebrates performance during the 2023-2024 school year, while the Continuous Improvement Award recognizes schools showing consistent progress across recent years, including 2023-2024.

Roanoke County Schools Among Top Performers

Roanoke County Public Schools saw five of its institutions receive the prestigious Highest Achievement Award, demonstrating the district’s commitment to excellence in education. The five schools honored are:

  • Back Creek Elementary
  • Cave Spring High
  • Fort Lewis Elementary
  • Hidden Valley High
  • Mount Pleasant Elementary

In response to the achievement, Superintendent Dr. Ken Nicely expressed pride in the collective efforts of the school community. “This honor reflects the dedication and hard work of our students, teachers, staff, and families in making these schools a model of excellence,” he said.

Dr. Nicely emphasized that the recognition reaffirms the district’s dedication to student success. “This recognition affirms our commitment to fostering a climate where every student can thrive and achieve to their highest potential. It also highlights our schools’ ongoing efforts to close achievement gaps, improve student outcomes, and maintain a strong focus on both academic performance and student well-being. We are immensely proud of this achievement, and we will continue to strive for excellence across all our schools.”

State Officials Praise Schools for Commitment to Excellence

Board of Education President Grace Turner Creasey also lauded the recognized schools for their accomplishments. “The Board is thrilled to recognize and celebrate the 141 schools who have earned this year’s top achievement,” Creasey said. “We applaud their commitment to excellence and high-quality education. Congratulations to all the Virginia educators, parents, and communities supporting these schools in achieving at the highest level.”

Lisa Coons, Superintendent of Public Instruction, echoed similar sentiments, recognizing the importance of each school’s success. “Being recognized in the Exemplar School Recognition Program is a direct reflection of a school’s commitment to high performance and increasing excellence,” she stated. “I am proud of each of the 141 schools that have been recognized today, and I commend each school’s leadership, educators, students, and community for earning this achievement.”

The Exemplar School Recognition Program serves as a powerful testament to the importance of collaboration among educators, students, and families, ensuring that Virginia schools continue to set high standards in education and foster environments where students can flourish.

Marco Harmon

I was born and raised in Roanoke, VA. I studied Communications Studies at Roanoke College, and I’ve been part of the news industry ever since. Visiting my favorite downtown Roanoke bars and restaurants with my friends is how I spend most of my free time when I'm not at the desk.

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