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For the fifth consecutive year, Kasson Elementary/Middle School has been named a West Virginia Exemplary School by the state Office of Education Performance Audits. KEMS represents the top 10 percent of elementary/middle schools in the state of West Virginia.

The Exemplary School was celebrated during a special ceremony on Nov. 9 at the Embassy Suites in Charleston.

To achieve exemplary status, a school must meet a high level of student proficiency in core subjects on the WESTEST II; meet a student attendance rate at or above 94 percent; meet a student graduation rate at or above 85 percent; meet a college or post-secondary attendance rate of 55 percent; and meet a 5 percent standard of students who successfully complete Advanced Placement, dual credit and honors classes as defined by state Policy 2510.

Approximately 8 to 10 percent of West Virginia schools qualify for the honor annually.

Kasson Elementary/Middle School, located in the northeastern corner of Barbour County, is the educational home to about 190 students in grades pre-kindergarten through eighth.

"I am proud of the students, faculty and staff members for their hard work and dedication," KEMS Principal Michelle Barb. "It takes support from the school, parents and the community to achieve this top honor."

Barbour County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deede Lundeen added, "Once again, Kasson School shines like a beacon in Barbour County.For the fifth year in a row, the students, faculty, administration and community have come together to produce an exemplary school.The Board of Education and I are very proud.Well done."