Much like the Oscars in the entertainment business, sometimes just being nominated for an award is an accomplishment in itself.

Dawson-Bryant Elementary is one of only 14 public schools in Ohio to be nominated for the U.S. Department of Education's 2004 No Child Left Behind - Blue Ribbon Schools program and district officials are excited.

The school was nominated by Susan Tave Zelman, superintendent of public instruction, because of excellent scores on the 2002-2003 Ohio proficiency test.

A score of at least 75 percent was required in math and reading. Dawson-Bryant scored 89 percent in reading and 97 percent in math.

Principal Eric Holmes said it is a tremendous honor just to be nominated.

"This is proof that if you put your mind to it and use the talent and training you have, then good things will happen," he said. "All the programs have worked together to make this possible."

Holmes said that the honor is truly a testament to the quality of teachers and students at the school.

"A lot of individual attention is given to the students. A lot of time is put in above and beyond the regular day," Holmes said. "The dedication from the teachers and the determination to show other schools that we have some of the best kids and teachers really motivated them.

Dawson-Bryant Superintendent Dr. James Payne agreed that it was really an achievement for the entire district to feel good about.

"One of the keys is that we have the support of a community that supports all of the teachers," he said. "The teachers feel very passionate about where the kids are and where they need to be."

Three other factors contributing to achieving the nomination are that the district makes good use of instructional planning, periodic assessments and discusses ways to improve, Payne said.

"There are literally thousands of schools in the state of Ohio, so this is quite an honor," Payne said. "It is humbling because a lot of other schools are out there doing good things as well. It is really an honor for our district and our board of education."

The school will fill out an official application that must be submitted to the ODOE by Jan. 12. It will be returned with comments and suggestions and must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education by February.

If Dawson-Bryant Elementary wins the award, it will be notified by September.