Published: June 03, 2008 10:31 pm         

Three area schools receive prestigious award

Three southern West Virginia schools were named Schools of Excellence for the 2008-09 school year Tuesday.

Meadow Bridge and Stanaford elementary schools and Monroe County Technical Center were among the seven schools in the state that received the prestigious award.

“Rewarding the hard work and dedication of school administrators and teachers is vital as our state increases rigor across the curriculum,” state schools Superintendent Steve Paine said. “These schools have continually exceeded the academic bar and they deserve this prestigious recognition.”

According to the state Department of Education, Schools of Excellence are selected based on a rigorous and challenging curriculum; a safe and drug-free learning environment; participatory leadership; active teaching and learning; an environment that strengthens teacher skills; documented student achievement; and implementation of advanced and innovated programs.

Paul Lovet, director of Monroe County Technical Center, and Andrew Tokarz, Meadow Bridge principal, said the award is a longtime goal for both schools.

“We knew we were good and our test numbers show it each and every year,” Lovet said, adding his school had been an exemplary school for two years prior to its latest honor. “But it’s a process. It doesn’t just happen.”

Like Lovet, Tokarz, who has been at Meadow Bridge for three years, said he established goals he believed would help his school receive the high recognition.

“Winning the award isn’t just about the winning,” he said. “It’s about the journey that gets you there. It’s about the ups and downs and all the good and bad things that make your students and your staff stronger.”

Both men say their schools’ success would not have been possible without the hand work of their faculty and staff, as well as superintendents and community members.

“These things don’t happen without a great faculty,” Tokarz said.

Tokarz added, “When everybody does their job, good things happen.”

Stanaford principal Dreama Bell was unavailable for comment Tuesday.

— E-mail:

mjames@register-herald.com