Weeks after hearing the school was being recognized as a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School, the Dell Rapids Elementary School celebrated on Friday, November 15th. Dell Rapids Elementary was just one of 362 schools in the country to receive this award, and only six South Dakota schools achieved the recognition.
Students and staff were treated to an assembly to celebrate the honor with everyone wearing a blue ribbon t-shirt. School board members Matt Weiland, Troy Randall, and Jacque LeBrun were in attendance. Dell Rapids City Administrator Justin Weiland and District 25 Representative Jon Hansen also attended. Former South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard spoke and presented the school with their certificate of recognition.
While speaking to the students, Daugaard said, “Dell Rapids is a very special school. It’s one of the best in whole the state. In fact one of the best in the whole United States. That’s why we’re here today. We’re here to celebrate what a special school Dell Rapids is, and we want to thank all the people that make Dell Rapids special, especially your teachers.”
Julie Wynja, the K-4 Dean of Students, said, “I would like to thank all of my teachers and staff. It takes a lot to make a Blue Ribbon school, and we’re so lucky that we have each and every one of you. And last, but not least, 409 kids deserve a lot of applause because they are amazing!”
The Dell Rapids High School band performed, and Rocky, the Quarrier mascot, also helped the students and staff celebrate this achievement.