Crabapple Crossing Celebrates Blue Ribbon with Song, Ice Cream

Crabapple Crossing Elementary students were glad to celebrate their school's National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award, and the ice cream served up today courtesy of Blue Bell just made the honor sweeter.

"Teamwork makes the difference. And it takes all of us. The energy in this school is unlike any others. Do you feel it? I know you do, because I do, too," said Principal George Freiberger. "Students, your teachers go above and beyond every day for you."

Fulton Superintendent of Schools Robert Avossa told the students that, "You are a champion today. Today at school, your teachers and community are all here to congratulate you for the hard work. Our expectations though, are that you get right back in there and start working hard again so you can be champions again."

Fulton School Board member Linda Schultz said that it took more than school work; it also took a dream. It started years ago when somebody had that dream and brought the school together to make that dream real.

"Everybody worked together as a team to reach that goal," she said.

Fulton School Board member Katie Reeves said apparently she isn't the only one who thought Crabapple Crossing was such an excellent school, because this was a national award.

Georgia Superintendent of Schools John Barge said he's goign to have to make a visit to Crabapple Crossing a regular appointment on his calendar, because he keeps coming back every year to celebrate the school's awards.

Barge cited an essay from one student as his favorite of those submitted with the Blue Ribbon application. That student said Crabapple Crossing "has the best teachers. They believe in second chances."

The state superintendent said, "Guys, for a young person to say that, that makes what we do worth it."

Barge said not only was the school the only one of 100 in Fulton County honored as a Blue Ribbon School, out of the state's more than 2,600 schools, "there are only eight National Blue Ribbon Schools. So you guys are the best of the best for the entire state of Georgia."