Elementary School in Rock Hill, SC, celebrates recent national honor
Sunset Park Elementary School is a 2023 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.
The school recently received the honor from Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, a national organization. Students, faculty and staff participated in a parade Thursday morning to celebrate the recognition.
Parents and other members of the Sunset Park family cheered as students walked around the bus loop wearing matching t-shirts to celebrate the award.
It’s a crowning achievement for a school that makes a concerted effort to nurture its connection with students.
“We are truly a family-oriented school,” Principal Dr. Nakia Barnes said. “So we love all our kids. Every teacher in the building loves each one, regardless of whether they teach them or not. So that closeness, that oneness, being a family, that’s what makes us be successful.”
This isn’t the first school in the area to win this award. Cherry Park Elementary received this award last year.
District administrators say they are proud of the outside support their schools receive. They say awards like this are a source of pride for the school and the community.
“When you think about neighborhood schools, this is the true essence of what a neighborhood school is about,” said Dr. Katie Barber, the Executive Director of Elementary Education for Rock Hill Schools. “This community supports this school relentlessly with unwavering support. At each event, the parents show up and celebrate with these children.”
