(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Once again, a local school has joined the ranks of those labeled as National Blue Ribbon schools — though this is more a matter of rejoining, as Evans Elementary School in Jackson County was recognized as such back in 2015, too.

Evans, along with Culloden Elementary School in Cabell County and C.W. Shipley Elementary School in Jefferson County, has once again been recognized as an exemplary high-performing school, ranking among the highest in the state on state assessments or nationally standardized tests.

“West Virginia students are our greatest resource and by prioritizing student achievement, we prepare them for a productive and successful journey beyond their PK-12 experience,” said state Superintendent of Schools David Roach. “These schools represent a passion for student development and success by fostering a love for learning. I am proud of these school communities for ranking among the highest-performing schools in our state.”

Indeed, the folks at Evans Elementary have good reason to be proud, particularly given their repeat performance in a relatively short time span.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said last week “… We know that our future will only be as strong as the education we provide to all of our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have gone above and beyond to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. These schools show what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students’ lives.”

It is possible. And while those at Evans and the other schools celebrate their accomplishment, policymakers must waste no time looking at the example they have set and figuring out whether what is working in Jackson County can work for schools across the state. We are doing our children (and ourselves) no favors if we don’t ensure we are trying to make that enduring, positive different for everyone.