Local Schools Receive Monetary Awards As 'Schools of Excellence'

Georgia State School Superintendent John Barge was on hand Sept. 4 to deliver $1,000 checks to Mulberry Elementary and Osborne Middle School in honor of the schools' selection as 2012 Georgia Schools of Excellence.

The $1,000 checks from Georgia Natural Gas can be used in whatever manner the school chooses. United Healthcare is also a sponsor of the program.

The two schools were among four in Gwinnett County receiving the honor. Osborne Middle made the list in the “Highest Progress” category while Mulberry Elementary was honored in the “Highest Performance” category. Harris Elementary and Head Elementary were also named as 2012 Schools of Excellence.

Both Osborne Middle and Head Elementary have received the honor in the past. 

In total, 28 Georgia schools were recognized by Barge.

“These schools are the epitome of excellence," Barge said last month in announcing the awards. "With our new, more rigorous accountability system, these schools really shine. Their focus on areas that impact student success is evident across the board.”