Hunter HIlls named National DIstinguished School

Nita Johnson, The Sentinel Echo, London, Ky.
·2 min read

Feb. 21—Hunter Hills Elementary has been named a National ESEA Distinguished School by the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA). Hunter Hills Elementary School is one of only 65 schools across the United States to receive the honor!

The National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program is an initiative of NAESPA that publicly recognizes qualifying federally-funded schools for positive educational advances and the outstanding academic achievement of their students. The NAESPA program, established in 1996, recognizes schools identified by their State Department of Education for their success in one of three categories. Hunter Hills Elementary is being recognized for excellence in serving students in special populations.

Brian Bond, Hunter Hills Elementary Principal, reflected, "Years ago, we set out with an ambitious goal: that high poverty schools across the nation, when they look for examples of successful schools with similar demographics, they can look to Hunter Hills, find inspiration and tell their staff — if Hunter Hills can do it, we can do it as well."

Hunter Hills Elementary, the largest elementary school in Laurel County, serves over 600 students. In addition to this national honor, Hunter Hills Elementary recently earned a "Blue" rating on the state accountability test, which is the highest rating.

Denise M. Griebel, Superintendent of Laurel County Schools, remarked, "Hunter Hills is an outstanding school doing great things for kids, all kids, every day, as indicated by such a prestigious award! I am very proud of Hunter Hills' accomplishment and am so happy for the staff and students; their hard work and dedication have been nationally noted and rewarded."

The National ESEA Distinguished School award recipients receive a commemorative award package and the opportunity to attend national education conferences. Laurel County Public Schools also plans to recognize Hunter Hills Elementary at an upcoming Laurel County Board of Education meeting.