One local school just won a prestigious award.

Only 15 schools in the entire state got the Centers for Excellence Award. Heritage Elementary School in Pueblo was one of those. To get this award, students have to show a high level of academic growth from one year to the next on the state test.

Students at Heritage tested in the 80th percentile. Another part though is that at least 75 percent of the kids have to qualify for free and reduced lunch. At Heritage, 89 percent of the kids qualify for that. The principal said income doesn’t prevent her students and staff from excelling.

“Just as I am with my own children, a proud mom, I was a very proud principal because I know how hard my teachers work, and I know how supportive the families are. So that was a huge help in this success. It takes everybody,” said Kim Cura, the principal of the school.

The school was honored at Tuesday night’s board meeting. They were the only school in Pueblo to receive this honor.