Congratulations to Two of AISD's Blue Ribbon Schools!

Friday was a memorable day for two of our northside elementary schools, as Hill Elementary welcomed students and parents from Graham Elementary, along with Principal Blaine Helwig, to a special assembly recognizing Graham's status as a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School.

Graham Elementary Principal Blaine Helwig, accompanied by students from both schools, thanks Hill Elementary for recognizing his school as a 2012 National Blue Ribbon award winner.

Principal Helwig and Graham Elementary Asst. Principal Chao Lin Chang proudly display their new Blue Ribbon School banner, which was a gift from their sister school, Hill Elementary.

The celebration began in the Hill cafeteria following the arrival of about 20 fourth- and fifth-graders from Graham, along with their parents and Principal Helwig. The remaining students were able to watch the event via Skype back at Graham. Following a song by the host school's choir, Hill Elementary Principal Beth Ellis congratulated Graham's students, teachers and staff members for their hard work and dedication to excellence. Hill students presented their counterparts at Graham with wristbands commemorating the event, as well as a large banner proclaiming Graham Elementary a National Blue Ribbon School.

The Hill Elementary choir opens the celebration with a song.

Upon receiving a plaque from Principal Ellis to mark the occasion, Principal Helwig thanked the Hill community for its kindness and hospitality. As sister schools, he said, Graham and Hill have worked together on many projects over the years, including book drives and holiday fundraisers. And now these schools have even more in common, as two of only six Blue Ribbon schools in the entire Austin school district.

Dash, Hill Elementary's armadillo mascot, gets ready for his close-up with Fred Cantu from KEYE News.

Fred Cantu and a camera crew from KEYE News were on hand to broadcast this momentous event, which made Friday's evening news. You can watch the story here.

Hill Elementary Principal Beth Ellis joins Principal Helwig at a reception in the Hill library following the celebration.

Congratulations to Graham Elementary for receiving this prestigious award, and hats off to Hill Elementary for recognizing and supporting the achievements of their neighbors to the east. This is what I mean when I say "Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!"