Published: November 21, 2009 06:14 am      

Blue ribbon pride

Hager students cheer for accomplishments

ASHLAND — "We are No. 1, where learning is fun!”

Sung by kindergartners and first graders to the tune of “Grand Old Flag,” the words floated over the front lawn of Hager Elementary School Friday morning.

All of Hager’s students, clear up to sixth grade, turned out along with teachers, parents and civic officials to cheer the school’s selection as a 2009 National Blue Ribbon School.

“This is a great day for everyone in Hager’s past, for everyone in Hager’s present, and for everyone in Hager’s future,” said principal Linda Calhoun.

The school dressed itself up in blue ribbons and balloons and its children in matching blue t-shirts to display their pride. Each class got a turn to cheer on their school.

Fourth-grader Ty Duckwyler, who won the contest his class held for the best blue-ribbon poster, showed off his red-framed creation and explained: The image depicts two ribbons, one with the slogan “We always do our best,” and the other declaring “We respect our friends and teachers.”

Calhoun has saved a place in the hall to hang the poster.

Angie Calvert, the sixth-grader who wrote the best essay, read her composition: “Hager is like one big loving family.” It’s a place where the kids think of teachers as their friends, she said.

The elementary years are crucial, said David Shattles, who was principal from 1996 to 2000. “The elementary experience is the most important by far in developing the love of knowledge,” he said.

Hager was named a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education and is one of 314 nationwide this year. Just six of those are in Kentucky.

Schools are chosen based on academic superiority or dramatic gains in student achievement. The distinction is quite a big deal, said Superintendent Steve Gilmore. When he met new state education commissioner Terry Holliday for the first time recently and identified his district, “(Holliday’s) immediate response was, ‘You have a Blue Ribbon School,’” Gilmore said.

Students also raised a Blue Ribbon flag that will fly in front of the school and released balloons to commemorate the occasion.