Hamilton Community Schools is proud to announce that Hamilton Elementary has been named a 2024–25 Michigan Blue Ribbon School, one of only 16 schools statewide to receive this prestigious honor from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). The recognition was formally presented on November 13 during the State Board of Education meeting in Lansing, where Principal Dean Kramer, Superintendent Dr. Bradford Lusk, and teachers Kelly Church and Megan Petersen accepted the award on behalf of the school.
What Is a Blue Ribbon School?
The Michigan Blue Ribbon School distinction is one of the highest honors a school can achieve. It celebrates schools that demonstrate:
Exceptional academic achievement
Strong growth for all learners
A safe, welcoming, and supportive environment
Effective practices that help students of every background succeed
Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized for consistently going above and beyond—closing achievement gaps, personalizing learning, and ensuring every student has the tools and encouragement needed to thrive.
Why Hamilton Elementary Was Honored
During the ceremony, the Michigan Department of Education highlighted the heart of Hamilton Elementary’s success: its people, its inclusive approach, and its relentless commitment to student growth.
A representative from MDE described Hamilton Elementary as:
“Serving approximately 375 students from young fives through grade 4 in a supportive rural West Michigan community, Hamilton’s dedicated staff work together to create a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment where every student is valued and challenged to reach their potential.”
They praised the school’s commitment to inclusive programming, supporting students with a wide range of abilities, and shared how the staff “blends fresh ideas with proven practices,” guided by data-driven decision-making. Another excerpt from the recognition emphasized the school’s strong instructional systems:
“Through the use of multi-tiered systems of support for reading and behavior, the school provides targeted interventions, clear expectations, and consistent encouragement so each child can thrive academically and socially.”
The recognition concluded with a powerful affirmation of what makes Hamilton Elementary special:
“Being named a Blue Ribbon School affirms that what Hamilton does works—preparing students for purpose in a warm, welcoming, and supportive community. As the school says, we are Hawkeyes.”
A Proud Moment for the Hawkeye Community
This achievement marks a historic moment: Hamilton Elementary is the first school within Hamilton Community Schools to receive a Blue Ribbon distinction. The honor reflects years of dedication from teachers, support staff, administrators, students, and families who work together to create a place where excellence is the expectation and every student feels seen and supported.
Superintendent Dr. Lusk shared his pride in the school’s achievement and the example it sets for the district:
“Hamilton Elementary is a shining example of what happens when a school community commits to putting students first every single day. This recognition belongs to the entire Hawkeye family.”
