Rome High School, Rome Middle School, and West End Elementary School were all named Best of Rome winners at an event at Oak Hill on Thursday night. The Best of Rome contest which is administered by the Rome News-Tribune each year allows people to vote in numerous categories for the best of everything in Rome and Floyd County.
Rome High School won in the Best Public High School category.
“This has been several years in a row now that we have been named the best high school in Rome. I want to thank everyone who voted for Rome High School. Our teachers and staff really appreciate this recognition,” Rome Principal Parke Wilkinson said. “Our teachers and staff work really hard and to receive this is a great compliment.”
Rome Middle School won in the Best Public Middle School category.
“This really showcases all of the positive things that we do as a school. To be recognized for this is an honor and a privilege,” Rome Middle School Principal Christina Barnes said. “I’m honored to be the principal of a school that is recognized as the best in Rome not just by our teachers but by the community stakeholders we serve,”
West End won in the Best Public Elementary School category and also finished as runner-up for Best Pre-K Program.
"I think one of the best parts is that our teachers, our faculty, and our staff get the recognition they deserve. I get to see awesome things at our school every day, but the public doesn’t get that opportunity. It’s great for our school to be able to get this recognition. I really believe we have the best faculty, staff, students, and families anywhere around. It’s a pleasure for them to be celebrated,” West End Elementary Principal Dr. Dennis Drummond said.
Elm Street Elementary also walked away with three awards. Elm Street finished as runner-up in the Best Public Elementary School category and received third place for Best Pre-K Program. Ashley Anglin, a first-grade teacher at Elm Street, finished third in the Best Teacher Category.
"Elm Street is a very special place with excellent teachers who make a difference every day in many ways, and that shines through our students. I am always proud of our school," Elm Street Principal Lisa Strack said.
Lawyers Chris Twyman and Nathan West, who both serve Rome City Schools, were also winners in the contest.