Chapel Lakes Elementary’s selection as a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School and Missouri Gold Star drew notable guests who wanted to celebrate the Cheetahs.
Missouri Governor Mike Parson, Missouri Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven, and Missouri State Board of Education President Charles Shields visited the school to celebrate with CLE students, staff, and BSSD administration.
National Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized for their overall academic performance or their success in closing achievement gaps among student groups.
Four CLE student leaders led Governor Parson on a tour of the school before he presented a proclamation honoring CLE’s National Blue Ribbon Award.
Former CLE students in the Blue Springs South High School Jaguar Pride Marching Band, BSSHS cheerleading team, Touch of Silver Dance team, and Jaguar football team all took part in the celebration.
Other guests included State Board of Education Members and representatives of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Our entire CLE family was honored by being named a Blue Ribbon School and being recognized by our guests,” CLE principal Liz White said. “This a representation of our great CLE family and our entire district.”Kendrick Haines has always strived to lead the pack. The Moreland Riddle Middle School student has displayed leadership and dedication throughout his experiences as a member of the Blue Springs School District.
Haines was the BSSD Bus Rider of the Year for the 2018-19 school year and honored for his leadership, good citizenship, and outstanding character. Fast forward to 2021-22 and Haines is leading not only his MRMS cross country team, but also challenging the rest of the area to keep pace. Haines posted a perfect season for the Huskies, winning every meet, and made his mark at the highest level, placing sixth overall in the field of 225 runners at the Nike National Meet in Indiana.
Huskies coach Michael Pezzetti describes Kendrick as a true leader on the course and in the classroom.
“Kendrick is the absolute model student-athlete,” he said. “He won every meet this season with two of these meets including over 1,000 runners. He is a very mild-mannered kid, but certainly transforms into a fierce competitor after putting on his running shoes. It is also no surprise Kendrick excels in the classroom by doing everything that epitomizes the model student. To say the least, I have thoroughly enjoyed having Kendrick in both cross country and class and have no doubt that he will be very successful in the years to come.”