WIESBADEN, Germany - Aukamm Elementary School was recognized as one of the nation's best Oct. 1.
During a ceremony at the school, members of the staff, military leaders, students, parents and local Department of Defense Education Activity officials were on hand to celebrate the achievement and watch as U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan congratulated the 337 schools selected as Blue Ribbon Schools for 2014, via a video message.
"Each of you is unique, serving diverse learners," said Duncan, recognizing each of the Blue Ribbon Schools for "fostering curiosity and the joy of learning."
"We entrust you with our kids," said Lt. Gen. Donald Campbell Jr., U.S. Army Europe commander, congratulating the Aukamm Elementary School staff. "This was a team effort. My gratitude, my heart, my thanks go out to you for what you do every day."
"It's such an honor for me to be able to tell you that you've been selected as one of the nation's Blue Ribbon Schools," said Dr. Nancy Bresell, director of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools-Europe. "This is really a special school."
"These great schools are fulfilling the promise of American education -- that all students, no matter their name or zip code, can flourish when schools provide safe, creative and challenging learning environments," said Duncan, in a release from the U.S. Department of Education.?"National?Blue Ribbon Schools are models of consistent excellence and a resource for other schools and districts. We celebrate them for their tireless effort and boundless creativity in reaching and teaching every student."
Dr. Dell McMullen, DoDDS Kaiserslautern District superintendent, said Aukamm was nominated and selected for its "exemplary student achievement. … The staff sets high expectations and helps students reach those expectations."
Aukamm was one of two DoDEA schools selected in 2014. Matthew C. Perry Elementary School in Japan was also recognized.
"There's an overwhelming commitment to excellence" at Aukamm Elementary School, said Hainerberg Elementary School Principal Debbie Parks who led Aukamm for the past two years. "We have great teachers here."
"We must continue to challenge ourselves and our students, and give them a rigorous education," said Aukamm Principal Barbara Mueller.
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