State achievement awards spotlight local districts

Three local schools were honored recently for their work in ensuring all students graduate with a full set of skills, regardless of their societal standing.

Colton, LaCrosse and Garfield/Palouse were among 174 schools given Washington Achievement Awards for improving student performance on WASL scores and graduation rates.

“It’s a real neat honor for our kids and our teachers and our whole community,” said Nate Smith, Colton superintendent and principal.

The awards signify schools which have closed the “achievement gap” which state school officials define as the problem in ensuring students fr...