De Soto High School received the seventh annual Governor’s Achievement Award, USD 232 announced Dec. 12, which recognizes the top schools in the Kansas.

Two other district schools also got this award, including Horizon Elementary and Lexington Trails Middle School, which was also honored last year.

By getting this award, DHS is recognized as one of the top 5 percent of all schools in Kansas. Principal Mark Meyer was excited to hear that DHS won the award and was quick to credit former David Morford, former principal at DHS.

“It’s (receiving the Governor’s award) very hard to do, and it’s a very significant award to receive,” Meyer said. “It’s something to celebrate that’s for sure.”

To receive this award, schools must meet three different criteria in regards to Reading and Mathematics in 2012: rank in the top 5 percent in state assessments, achieve the Standard of Excellence and achieve Adequate Yearly Progress in both Reading and Math and one additional measure.

“We are proud of our schools and their continued focus on student achievement,” said Dr. Doug Sumner, Superintendent of Schools, in a district news release. “We know this award could not have been possible without hard-working students, highly qualified teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, administrators, and dedicated parents.”