Celebrating Blanchard, Cape's Blue Ribbon elementary

From Cape Girardeau to Washington, D.C. -- that's the route Blanchard Elementary School is taking as it celebrates being designated a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, an honor given to schools exemplifying academic excellence.

When only eight public schools in the state receive such an award, and your school is one of them, there's cause to celebrate both the journey and the destination.

Blanchard was previously named one of Missouri's Gold Star Schools. Only eight schools in the state were given that honor, as well. The next stop was applying for the Blue Ribbon award. Winning was no small feat, as it took months to prepare the application, and students' test scores from the last three years were reviewed and considered. Blanchard's hard work paid off, resulting in the Blue Ribbon honor and a celebration at an assembly in which the principal, Barbara Kohlfeld, praised the students.

"We have a 2015 National Blue Ribbon because of you," she said, then went on to commend them for their commitment to doing homework, studying and respecting their teachers. She added, "We're here because of you. We're celebrating you."

Correct answer, Principal Kohlfeld; it takes dedicated students to achieve what Blanchard has.

But Kohlfeld deserves much of the credit, as well. Superintendent Jim Welker was quick to point out, it "takes great leadership, and here you have a great leader in Dr. Kohlfeld," he said. Teachers also provide some of that leadership. One such teacher, Mary Ann Lewis, said Blanchard has always been focused on providing their students with a place "where they could learn while feeling safe and loved," according to a recent Southeast Missourian article.

Blanchard Elementary obviously epitomizes high standards, superior work ethic and strength of character. That takes everyone: students, family, faculty and staff. When each piece to the puzzle is in place, the journey to success -- which can seem long and arduous at times -- is just a little bit smoother, the rewards, that much more attainable.

Congratulations to our Blue Ribbon winners. We, as a community, are proud of this great accomplishment.