A Forsyth County school has once again received a national title, school system officials say, marking years of hard work, academic performance and a dedication to closing achievement gaps for local students.

Daves Creek Elementary School in south Forsyth has been named a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, and according to a press release from the Forsyth County School System it is one of only six public schools in the state of Georgia to receive the recognition this year.

"This is the first year Daves Creek Elementary has been eligible for this tremendous honor after receiving it originally in 2013,” Forsyth County School Superintendent Jeff Bearden stated in the release. "We are so very proud of the work of our dedicated faculty and staff to prepare all learners to lead and succeed. Congratulations to Daves Creek community and thank you for supporting our schools."

The Blue Ribbon Schools award, according to the U.S. Department of Education, “affirms the hard work of educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.”

Now in its 37th year, the award has been given to more than 8,800 schools from across the nation, including 362 schools that received the distinction this year.

Other Forsyth County schools that have received the National Blue Ribbon designation include Big Creek, Brookwood, Johns Creek, Settles Bridge and Sharon Elementary schools, and Otwell, Riverwatch and South Forsyth Middle schools.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our excellent students and parents for your hard work and dedication to Daves Creek,” Daves Creek Principal Eric Ashton stated in the release. “I would also like to thank our outstanding teachers and faculty who stay late, arrive early, and strive to hone and improve their craft every day. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to our students and their families.”

In November Daves Creek and the other schools awarded in 2019 will be honored at an awards ceremony held in Washington, D.C, the release states.