HONESDALE, WAYNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Out of the 500 school districts in the commonwealth, one school district in our area won a state award. The award is given based on academic performance and progress being made to close the achievement gap among students.
Students at Lakeside Elementary piled into the gymnasium for a pep rally on Wednesday morning, but rather than sporting the school colors red, black, and white, they were decked out in blue.
Lakeside Elementary, a part of the Wayne Highlands School District, was one of 13 schools given the Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon School Award.
As the high school's marching band, chorus, and cheerleaders were getting students excited for the rally, many teachers realized the significance of the award.
"I feel like every year we come in and we are blue ribbon, but to be recognized for it is such an honor," Fifth Grade Math and Science Teacher Alicia Keast told 28/22 News.
Keast has been teaching for 30 years. She tells 28/22 News the best part about showing up for work each day is the kids.
"The rewards, there's little gifts that we see. The gains, the growth make it worthwhile. It's work, but it's happy work," Keast continued.
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A moment of recognition for the faculty and staff took place during the rally. It was a shock for them to have a moment dedicated to the small group of individuals.
"I know my administration, colleagues, faculty, and the students work hard every day here. I don't think they even realize what an honor it is. The celebration was an accumulation of all the hard work that has been put in," Keast added.
Third, fourth, and fifth graders lined the walls.
Lakeside Elementary Fourth Grader Ryan Murray told 28/22 News his favorite part of the morning.
"Watching my sister. We get to learn. We get to have fun. Yeah, like I said, we just get to have lots of fun in school," Murray explained.
It was made clear from the administration at the rally, this award was not the finish line, but a stepping stone for greater things to come for the school and the school district.
Lakeside Elementary and 13 other schools around the state will be recognized by Pennsylvania's Department of Education at an annual conference in Hershey in December.
