LaGRANGE — State School Superintendent Richard Woods and State Board of Education Chair Helen Rice visited Rosemont Elementary School on Thursday to congratulate students, staff and administrators for its National Blue Ribbon award.

Woods arrived by helicopter shortly after the first bell. Rosemont was first of three schools across the state he was expected to visit during the day. Troup County School System Superintendent Cole Pugh, along with Principal Natalie Givins and instructional specialist Marvin Grayson, greeted him at the door.

Givins led Woods and Rice on a schoolwide tour.

As they traveled the halls, students greeted them with waves and words of thanks. Woods spoke to teachers in classrooms, listened to teaching and instruction, and watched as students raced to read blended sounds.

After the tour, the group went to the media center where parents, student ambassadors and district administration gathered for a certificate presentation.

“We know communication is important, and we like to let people know that we are listening,” Woods said. “… You can be from a rural school, but all children can learn. That is the expectation. Because of the hard work you have done, we are recognizing you as a National Blue Ribbon School.”

He then presented Givins with the certificate.

Rosemont was recognized along with six other Georgia elementary schools on Sept. 29 with the National Blue Ribbon designation. This program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students either achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap.

Givins and teacher Carla Cook traveled to Washington, D.C., in November to receive the plaque and official flag. The award flag gracing the school’s building is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.

After the presentation, more than 700 students, staff and administrators gathered on the front lawn of the school to see the helicopter off as Woods flew to Macon for another presentation.