Last month, the Ohio Department of Education honored South Point Elementary School with its Momentum Award.

The designation goes to schools that have shown progress and growth across multiple categories.

South Point received all As on its annual report card from the state, as well as across the subcategories, which include economically-disadvantaged students, those with disabilities and the lowest-performing percentile.

This was no small feat for the school, as the district’s superintendent, Mark Christian pointed out. Less than 200 schools in the state, which has more than 3,600, received the award. And South Point was the only one in Lawrence County to get the honor.

Though the award was for the last report card, which covered the 2018-2019 academic year, principal Chris Mathes, who has been in the top position at the school for 17 years, said it is the result of years of hard work by teachers and faculty, combined with the performance of students.

Teachers and faculty have many duties in their jobs and often, their efforts go unsung.

Their commitment to the children of South Point has been demonstrated in this award.

We commend them, as well as faculty, administrators and the children in bringing the recognition to the school.