It is an award that that was created in 1980. It is the National Blue Ribbon Award and Richland Elementary has won it. This makes Richland the only National Blue Ribbon School district in Missouri. U.S. Congressman Jason Smith was on hand recently to present the award to Richland Elementary.
“It's phenomenal because it is the best and brightest, when you are looking at less than 350 school districts in the country that received it,” said Smith. “It is highlighting what we already know, that in Southeast Missouri we are better than everyone else.”
Smith toured the school and spoke with several students in multiple classes. During the tour students showed him their work with coding, robotics and other areas.
Smith stated he was impressed with the robotics and coding programs in the fifth and sixth grade room as well as the preschool program in place at Richland.
“Education is a foundation for everything you do in life,” said Smith. “I always tell people what you do and you prepare in the first 25 years of life determines how hard the next 50 years are.”
After a tour of the school the student body gathered in the high school gym for the presentation. Superintendent Frank Killian introduced Smith.
Smith called Richland a premiere school district in Missouri and a top school district in the country. Richland Elementary Principal Cara Merritt accepted the award on behalf of the school.
“I am very proud of our students and staff. This award brings attention to our school and allows others to see the great things we are doing everyday,” said Merritt. “It proves that even small school's can accomplish big things. We are honored to receive this award and appreciate all of the positive comments and recognition.”
Editor's Note: Richland High School senior Kate Wyman contributed to this story.