For the sixth time since 2004, a school in the Hamilton Southeastern school district has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School. This year, Geist Elementary School was chosen as the recipient. On Monday night, Nov. 22, the HSE school board, staff members, parents, students and Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly and Congresswoman Susan Brooks gathered together at the elementary school to celebrate GES’s acheivement.

The night started off with the GES student choir leading the Pledge of Allegiance, then performing a tribute from its Veterans’ Day program and Indiana’s state song, On the Banks of the Wabash. School Board President Karen Harmer then went down the list of previous National Blue Ribbon titles awarded to schools in the HSE district.

Senator Donnelly then made a speech commemorating GES and the district as a whole for its achievements. Congresswoman Brooks followed him, thanking the community’s parents and students for helping to create an environment suitable for the attainment of the National Blue Ribbon Award.

President Harmer then had Board Secretary Sylvia Shepler read off a proclamation to honor GES as a National Blue Ribbon School. The motion was passed by the Board, and Geist PTO President Kelly Thompson went to the podium to make her speech. Thompson praised the way GES staff had surrounded her daughter with a learning experience she felt was remarkable.

Following Thompson, GES Principal Christi Thomas spoke a few words about the pride she felt for her staff, students and parents in the district. Thomas went on to speak of the traditions and fun GES had had over the years before presenting the school with the National Blue Ribbon Banner.

President Harmer then adjourned the meeting and directed the audience to celebrations in the cafeteria, where cake and punch were being served.