Ohio District Wins State Award for Student Achievement

A small Ohio school district is proving that dedication and teamwork can create remarkable academic turnaround.

Graham Local Schools has been awarded the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce District Momentum Award for 2024-2025, joining just 19 other districts statewide to receive this honor. The award recognizes significant improvements in student growth and achievement across the entire district.

The wins didn't stop there. Graham High School earned its own Building Momentum Award for outstanding growth in its Performance Index and Progress Rating, reflecting the steady climb toward academic excellence that students and staff have worked together to achieve.

Graham Middle School stole the show with a perfect 5-star Building Rating on the Ohio School Report Card. Out of more than 1,800 eligible schools across Ohio, only 283 earned this top rating, and Graham Middle School stands alone as the only school in Champaign, Clark, and Logan Counties to reach this milestone.

The Ripple Effect

This success story goes far beyond test scores. District leaders credit every member of what they call the "Falcon Family" for playing a vital role in student success, from teachers and support staff to bus drivers, custodians, and food service workers.

The recognition reflects a culture shift toward high expectations and consistent support that touches every student who walks through the doors. When an entire community rallies around education, from families at home to volunteers in classrooms, students feel that investment and rise to meet it.

The awards validate years of hard work and strategic focus on creating an environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and personally. For Graham's students, the message is clear: their community believes in them and will provide what they need to succeed.

Graham Local Schools is building momentum in the truest sense, creating a foundation for continued growth that will benefit students for years to come.