By By JAMES COLLINS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- Ballard Elementary was recently recognized with an award for its commitment to student achievement and school improvement.
On Friday, the school was notified that it was one of two schools in Michigan to receive the 2004 Robert and Patricia Muth Excellence in Leadership Award from the Middle Cities Education Association.
Garfield Elementary in Port Huron was also honored with the award.
The Middle Cities Education Association is a coalition of 33 urban school districts across Michigan. Each year the association recognizes schools within Middle Cities' districts that demonstrate outstanding educational leadership by school principals and staff.
This year's honor marks the second time that Ballard has received a Muth award. The school was also honored in 1997.
Ballard will officially be presented with the award on Sept. 10 at a special ceremony hosted by Middle Cities Education Association, where they will receive $1,500 cash and a plaque.
Ballard was chosen for the award because of the improvement shown specifically in areas that reflect progress in students' social and educational achievement.