Pictured in back, left to right, are Camille Sippel, Wyatt Sombke, Reilly Ell, Alec Oleson and Cheyenne Schaller; in front, left to right, are Caitlyn Fluke, Halle Dohman, Nicole Koehler and Darac Harry; and not pictured is Joellen Gonsoir.

Ten students in the Class of 2014 have qualified for the President's Education Awards Program.  The awards are an effort by the U.S. Department of Education to recognize outstanding educational achievement and effort.  The criteria have been developed to reflect changes occurring in the schools and to provide schools with both clear guidelines and flexibility.  They are meant to reflect the state, local and national efforts to raise academic standards as embodied in the National Education goals.
"It is really nice to be able to recognize these seniors.  They have worked hard for four years, have exceptional grade point averages, and have performed well on standardized testing," stated Jodi Sternhagen, Groton Area High School counselor.   The President's Award for Educational Excellence is signed by the President, Secretary of Education, and the school principal.  Criteria include a grade point average of 3.5 or above and standardized test achievement at the 85th percentile or higher in math or reading.