As a part of their new program recognizing local schools that go above and beyond in reading proficiency, the TalentFirst group honored Riverview Elementary in Big Rapids on Monday.
Students, staff, and media piled in to the school’s gymnasium to celebrate the occasion, including being joined in attendance by TalentFirst President, Kevin Stotts, and Michigan Representative, Tom Kunse.
The ceremony included opening words from Principal Renee Kent, Superintendent Tim Haist, and former Talent First board member Leslie Brown.
“We work so hard here at Riverview,” Kent said. “We love to read, we love to do math, and we love to have fun. We work hard to play hard.”
When it came to the selection process, Stotts said Riverview was an obvious first pick for the award due to their unmatched proficiency.
“Compared to their peer schools, Riverview was well above any other school in the (reading) category,” Stotts said. “They stood out j