The Vicksburg Warren School District has received a national designation that very few can claim.

The Partnership for 21^st Century Learning (P21) has high highlighted 18 early learning centers, K-12 schools, districts and beyond school programs in the U.S. as 21^st Century Learning Exemplars for 2019.

According to a press release, VWSD was one of just two school districts in the nation to be recognized this year as an exemplar district.

Lennox School District in Lennox, California, was also honored.

“This designation means a lot since it takes into account some of the areas that the state doesn’t measure like career readiness, partnerships, communication and character development,” Chad Shealy, VWSD superintendent, said. “We are so proud to be named one of only two districts in the nation as exemplars and look forward to learning from and with others who are dedicated to preparing students for their brightest future.”

As part of celebrating the best practices from these awardees, Battelle for Kids will develop a case study brief for each exemplar site and release it to the public for free download. A recognition ceremony will be held April 2019 in Washington, D.C.

“We look forward to working with Battelle for Kids and the Partnership for 21st Century Learning to bring new ideas and resources to our District,” Shealy said.