Congratulations is in order for Central Elementary School principal Cherry Deges and her team of educators for receiving the Challenge Award of Merit for 2021. According to Dodge City Public Schools, the Confidence in Education Task Force administers the awards for the Kansas Department of Education. Schools are recognized for making progress in student achievement despite the many challenges in school population. Central received the award for achievement and uncommon accomplishment based on Kansas math and reading assessment. Sunnyside Elementary, Northwest Elementary, and Miller Elementary were also recipients of the Challenge Award. Fred Dierksen, Superintendent of Schools; Tami Knedler, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education, and Scott Springston, Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction were on hand to present the award to Central Elementary staff members. [COURTESY PHOTO]