Dawson-Bryant Elementary received the Ohio Department of Education’s highest academic rating for the 2009-2010 school year, “Excellent with Distinction.”

The school is one of 305 schools in Ohio to receive this designation. There are 3,459 schools in Ohio.

The students and staff celebrated the achievement with “Hornet Pride” day Thursday.

Members of the high school band came and played the school song and high school cheerleaders led cheers for the student body.

Staff members also got into the spirit of the day as former majorettes, color guard members, and cheerleaders performed the routine to the school song as it played.

The students also enjoyed inflatables, and snow cones during recess.

“We are all very proud of this enormous accomplishment,” principal Angie Dillow said.

“Many thanks and much credit goes to the entire Dawson-Bryant educational community. Specifically, this academic accomplishment could not have occurred with out the hard work and dedication of the students, teachers, parents and support staff.

“Each of these very important pieces of the puzzle have worked together on a daily basis to ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”