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ACHS earns Reward School status

Last year Anderson County High School was recognized for its academic acheivements.

This year the school received that recognition as well. But the school was also recognized for its academic growth, making it one of those rare animals in the state: A high school recognized as a Reward School.

“Not many high schools get that recognition,” ACHS Principal Ben Downs said.

It’s one thing to make a high academic acheivement, but it takes a different mindset to take that a step further and have marked growth. “Out staff is committed, they work hard, the kids have worked hard,” Downs said.

State Rep. John Ragan, R-Oak Ridge, joined the Tennessee Department of Education in announcing Reward Status for Anderson County High School earlier in the school year.

Also earning Rewards Status were, Grand Oaks Elementary, and Norwood Middle School in the Anderson County School System.

According to the Education Department, as cited in a news release by Ragan’s office, Reward Status is the top distinction a school can earn in Tennessee. Reward schools are those that are improving overall student academic achievement and student growth for both all students and for certain student groups, and they are identified annually.