Saluda Elementary School was recognized Oct. 22 as a North Carolina ESEA Distinguished School during a statewide ceremony in Greensboro.
Saluda was honored in Category 1 of the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program, which recognizes schools exhibiting exceptional student performance and academic growth.
Principal Erika Stronach, Teacher of the Year Michael Marshall and Title I teacher Jennifer Goforth represented Saluda at the North Carolina ESEA Distinguished Schools Recognition Ceremony and Luncheon, hosted by the North Carolina Association of Federal Education Program Administrators.
Stronach said Saluda was recognized as one of the top 10 public schools in North Carolina out of 2,709 schools for performance and growth during the 2025-26 school year.
The National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program recognizes federally funded Title I schools in three areas: exceptional student performance and academic growth, closing achievement gaps between student groups and excellence in serving special student populations.
For Stronach, Saluda’s recognition reflects more than student performance data.
“This recognition is a reflection of the relationships we build with one another, our students, and our families, our strong instructional expertise, our willingness to keep learning and growing; and our dedication to the work we do each day,” she said.
“We are proud of Saluda and blessed to be part of a school community that continues to make a difference for our students.”
