MOUNT CARMEL — Mount Carmel Elementary School celebrated being a Reward School for the fourth consecutive year on Tuesday morning.
“It means that all of our hard work and dedication has placed us in one of the top schools in all of Tennessee,†fourth grader Henry Jones said.
He was one of many students who spoke to the audience composed of students, staff and special visitors, including County Mayor Mark DeWitte and City Mayor John Gibson. Fifth grade students from Church Hill Middle School also attended and were recognized for helping the elementary school receive the recognition.
MCES has been designated as a Reward School eight times in the last 13 years, Henry said.
“Our teachers, our parents and all of the staff believed in us and pushed us to do our best,†he said.
The fourth graders stayed on stage for the majority of the ceremony and sang two different songs throughout it.
“It’s just amazing to be here and watch what these young people are doing today,†Assistant Director of Schools Dr. Reba Bailey said.
She recognized the teachers and staff for building a “strong†and “educated†community at MCES.
“This school has a legacy,†Bailey said, “and it has a legacy that the community should be proud of.â€
She highlighted the important role parents play in the success of their students to help them grow.
“You’re amazing,†Bailey told the students. “I’ve been up here for the last four years and watched the reward school celebrations and I’m so proud of you.â€
McClure Boyd was introduced by his daughter, a student at MCES, and spoke more about the school.
He said his family has been with the school for nine years, with both his son and daughter attending.
“A couple of words come to mind when we think of this school and the teachers,†Boyd said. “It’s the community and the care and just shows that these teachers really do love and care for these kids.â€
During the years of the pandemic, he said the school displayed its determination and power of community.
“Nine years brings a lot of memories, there’s so many good memories we have with Mount Carmel School,†Boyd said. “All the fall festivals, book fairs, Christmas events — seeing teachers and admin dressed up as elves outside the day before Christmas break.â€
Following Boyd, many students from different grade levels spoke of their school, saying they liked the field trips, the events and how teachers made learning fun.
“I love being a Wildcat,†multiple students said.
Principal Amy Glass closed the ceremony, talking about the success of students that started at MCES and now go to the middle and high schools.
“If you believe it, you can achieve it,†Glass said.
Not only did MCES receive a Reward School status, but they also received a letter grade A from the state.
“You can’t get any better than that,†she said.
