Over 1,500 Joplin Students Honored
at 7th Annual “Academic All-Stars” Celebrations

Over 1,500 students were honored at the Joplin School District’s annual Academic All-Stars recognition ceremonies held throughout November. Celebrating its seventh year, the Academic All-Stars student program celebrates Joplin students in grades three through eight who rank in the top two performance categories (“Advanced” or “Proficient”) on Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) tests that are given to students each spring.

"The Academic All-Star celebration recognizes excellence in academics which is our most important goal for students," said Assistant Superintendent Angie Besendorfer. "We are proud that the number of students being recognized in each grade level continues to grow which demonstrates the quality of education provided in Joplin Schools."

School district officials and local community leaders spoke at the celebration events, and each All-Star received an award certificate, an "Academic All-Stars" t-shirt, a window decal, and a variety of other gifts.

The Academic All-Stars program is a joint effort of the Joplin School District and community partners. Local business sponsors include: Carl Richard Bowling Center, Contract Freighters, Inc., Empire District Electric Co., Freeman Health System, General Mills, Hometown Bank, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, The Joplin Globe, Leggett & Platt, McDonald’s Restaurants, Mid-Missouri Bank, St. John’s Regional Medical Center, Sugar Creek Designs, USA May’s Drug, and Zimmer Radio, Inc.

(posted 12/06/07)