Liberty County School System officials celebrated gains four schools made in last year’s statewide Milestones testing.

Midway Middle School, Snelson-Golden Middle School and Liberty Elementary were rewarded for gains made in math scores, and Waldo Pafford Elementary was recognized for its jump in third grade literacy. Richard Woods , the state superintendent of schools, handed the schools their banners and pinned their pennants to the bottom of their banners.

“I was a former coach and I love to see state championship banners. These are the academic state championship banners,” Woods said in a ceremony held at Midway Middle.

Snelson-Golden was recognized for a 16.8 point increase in the high school math portion. Schools are recognized for achievement or growth in the percentage of students scoring at the proficient level or above in math.

Midway Middle had a 17.6 point increase and a 90.9 percent pass rate for those students who took the high school portion of the math test. Liberty Elementary had an 18.8 point increase in fifth grade math scores.

The literacy improvement banner is the toughest to get, Woods said, and the literacy banners are awarded to schools for achievement or growth in the percentage of students reading at or above grade level. For elementary schools, it is based on thirdgrade reading proficiency, and Waldo Pafford had a 13.3 point increase in third grade reading proficiency.

Liberty County Schools Superintendent Debra Frazier said the academic recognitions were a proud moment for the district.

“In Liberty County, we serve one of the most unique and diverse student populations in the state,” she said. “These banners symbolize the dedication of the teachers. It symbolizes our paras who support and it symbolizes our administrators who lead with mission and purpose. It also symbolizes our support staff, who care deeply for the children, and our parents.”

Frazier added the school system fosters an environment “where our scholars are valued, challenged and supported” and that the schools are committed to preparing every student for success.

Dr. Zheadric Barbra, the Liberty County schools’ deputy superintendent, said the banners also show the hard work and dedication of the system’s students, teachers, staff, families and community partners.

“These achievements are examples and evidence of what can happen when the school system is focused on excellence, accountability and opportunity for every child,” he said.

Dr. Barbra added he hopes the recognitions encourage students to strive for more and continue to challenge themselves academically.

“Success is not determined by a single test score but by your willingness to learn, improve, lead and persevere through challenges,” he said. “Every lesson learned, every goal achieved and every obstacle overcome is preparing you for a brighter future.”