I have visited several of the schools in our area just to catch up with the principals and to see what’s happening in our schools.

I have almost completed the tour, but I have already been excited to see the enthusiasm our teachers, administrators and other school workers have.

There’s a sense of pride that our teachers take when they’re charged with the education of our students, and it definitely pays off. One school is already a National Blue Ribbon School. Another one was recognized as a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School. Another will be evaluated for National Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School status. And School Superintendent Dr. Mike Reed has told me in the past that the others are on the way.

Even without this recognition, Hartselle is known across the state as one of the best school systems. Our teachers know it. Our students know it. Our parents know it.

Everyone continues to push the expectations every year, and that’s why Hartselle is the best.

Brent Maze is the managing editor of the Hartselle Enquirer.