PES students earn Presidential Achievement Award

Thirty Perryville Elementary School fourth graders were surprised Thursday by a special ceremony in their honor, where they were presented with the Presidential Academic Achievement Award.

To be eligible for this award, a student must have earned a 90 percent or higher in each subject during fourth grade and scored proficient in English and Math during third grade MAP testing.

Principal Jennifer Streiler praised the students' hard work, as well as that of their teachers and their families. The fourth grade teachers then presented the awards to their students.

The fourth grade team includes Sally Camden, Kelly Carreras, Jonathan Tucker, Carol Roth, Susan Schremp, Heather Baskin and Lacey Amschler.

The students who earned the Presidential Academic Achievement Award are Caitlyn Hoff, Kira Hagan, Phebe Dunker, Aubrey Wortmann, Micah Ford, Dillon Schlimpert, Karrea Foster, Katelynn Star, Braeden Thieret-Riney, Emma Zahner, Noah Bergman, Kaylee Davis, Noah Kramer, Madison Krauss, Megan Buchheit, Taegan Gerler, Aleah Caddell, Kellyn Friedman, Eric Statler, Jackie Truong, Alex Krauss, Sonora Bishop, Brittany Urena, Carlea Rittenberg, Garrett Lawrence, Angel McClanahand, Carlie Littleton, Abigail Moll, Maddison Robinson, Zoe Pippin, Kiera Stanley, Sam Statler and Richard Corse.

The letter from President Barack Obama reads in part: "America's continued success depends on how well your generation is prepared for the future, and this special recognition is a testament to the dedication and skill you have shown in the classroom. I am proud of you for pushing yourself academically, and I am counting on you to continue to set a good example and help others whenever you have the opportunity. Smart, driven young people like you remind me that America's best days are yet to come. And as long as you continue to stay focused on your education and work hard, no dream will be beyond reach."