Hugh Goodwin, ESD officials accept Blue Ribbon School award in D.C.

More celebrations planned this week

Representatives from the four Arkansas schools that were recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools this year -- Hugh Goodwin Elementary, of El Dorado; Carolyn Lewis Elementary in the Conway Public School District; Park Magnet School in the Hot Springs School District; and Portland Elementary School in the Hamburg School District -- are seen at an awards reception in Washington, D.C. (Courtesy of Raven Swint, El Dorado School District)
Representatives from the four Arkansas schools that were recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools this year -- Hugh Goodwin Elementary, of El Dorado; Carolyn Lewis Elementary in the Conway Public School District; Park Magnet School in the Hot Springs School District; and Portland Elementary School in the Hamburg School District -- are seen at an awards reception in Washington, D.C. (Courtesy of Raven Swint, El Dorado School District)

The El Dorado School District plans to recognize Hugh Goodwin's achievement in being named a National Blue Ribbon School with two events next week.

In September, United States Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced this year's cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools, which included four in Arkansas. Hugh Goodwin was among the four to receive the high honor.

"I think it's a great honor for Hugh Goodwin and the El Dorado School District as a whole. I think it's a very good reflection of the district as a whole," said ESD Superintendent Jim Tucker when the announcement was made. "I appreciated their being recognized for their hard work, and I appreciate the hard work that every school in our district puts in."

Hugh Goodwin won its Blue Ribbon award for "exemplary achievement gap closing" after raising the school's report card grade -- part of the Every Student Succeeds Act, which aims to raise educational standards -- from a B to an A.

On Thursday and Friday, Hugh Goodwin Assistant Principal Raven Swint, ESD Assistant Superintendent Melissa Powell and former Hugh Goodwin Principal Connie Reed were in Washington, D.C. to accept the Blue Ribbon School recognition.

"It was excellent," said Swint on Friday. "More of a celebration of our success. Some school representatives literally danced across the stage to receive their award."

"One highlight was Deputy Secretary of Education Cynthia Marten's speech. She congratulated the Blue Ribbon schools and also acknowledged the tireless work of educators across the nation," she added.

The district is planning further celebrations this week.

At 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11, Hugh Goodwin Principal Jesica Collins will deliver remarks at a "Blue Ribbon Ceremony," which will include a blue ribbon cutting at the school.

From 4 to 5:30 p.m. that day, a come-and-go community reception will be held at Hugh Goodwin, 201 E. 5th.

Tucker said in September that while other schools in the ESD have been nominated for Blue Ribbon status, he believes Hugh Goodwin is the first to win it.

"Just being nominated is a pretty big deal," Tucker said. "They all work so hard. I'm extremely proud of Hugh Goodwin."

From left, Hugh Goodwin Assistant Principal Raven Swint, former Hugh Goodwin Principal Connie Reed and El Dorado School District Assistant Superintendent Melissa Powell accepted the elementary school's Blue Ribbon School award at a ceremony in Washington D.C. last week. (Courtesy of Raven Swint, El Dorado School District)
From left, Hugh Goodwin Assistant Principal Raven Swint, former Hugh Goodwin Principal Connie Reed and El Dorado School District Assistant Superintendent Melissa Powell accepted the elementary school's Blue Ribbon School award at a ceremony in Washington D.C. last week. (Courtesy of Raven Swint, El Dorado School District)

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