One could say that every student, every staff member, and every teacher at Crestline Elementary School was blue last week. Instead of blue meaning bummed, their blue celebrated with joy the school’s achievement of becoming a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School.

Parents, family, friends, city officials, school board members and even Elvis gathered to help the students celebrated the school’s achievement Tuesday, Sept. 18. A student from each grade gave their testimony as to why they think Crestline is a great school and Principal Robin Varwig spoke. Then for the celebration’s grand finale there was singing and dancing to a performance by Elvis, complete with the song “Blue Ribbon School” sung to the tune of “Blue Suede Shoes.”

“It’s because we want to celebrate the excellence of Crestline, said Principal Robin Varwig.

Crestline became a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School in December 2012. The school completes a list of three, making all Hartselle elementary schools Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. F.E. Burleson Elementary received their honor in October 2011 and Barkley Bridge Elementary in December 2010.

Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc. judges the schools on “nine major categories of critical performance” including: 1.Student Focus and Support, 2.School Organization and Culture, 3.Challenging Standards and Curriculum, 4.Active Teaching and Learning, 5.Technology Integration, 6.Professional Community, 7.Leadership and Educational Vitality, 8.School, Family, and Community Partnerships, and 9.Indicators of Success. These categories are called the BRSE Blueprint for Excellence.

To find out more about becoming a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence visit www.blueribbonschools.com.