Lamar County Schools honor dozens of students for perfect scores and growth

The Lamar County School District recognized dozens of students at its regular board meeting for outstanding academic performance, including perfect scores on Mississippi’s MAP tests and gains on other state assessments. Assistant Superintendent Teresa Jenny introduced the recognitions and thanked families and teachers for supporting student achievement, saying the accomplishments “take all of that working together.”

Students from multiple elementary and middle schools were called forward to receive certificates and photos with district leaders and school principals. The board highlighted students with perfect scores in ELA, perfect scores in math, and those who achieved perfect scores in both subjects. The district also recognized students who advanced a proficiency level on spring assessments and graduates of the English Learner (EL) program who met the proficiency requirements to exit EL services.

Dr. Lesie Thompson, principal of Longleaf Elementary, received a special recognition after a teacher’s email described school leadership and quick action during a medical emergency. When told she would be recognized, Dr. Thompson said the response was “just what any other principal would do,” according to the transcript.

Board members limited remarks and did not take formal votes on recognitions. The ceremony was followed by an accountability presentation and routine board business.

The recognitions reflect the district’s emphasis on assessment results and student growth; district staff noted that many of the honors were the product of coordinated work among teachers, families and support staff.