Rich Pond Elementary School students strolled down a red carpet rolled out in the school’s gym Friday to accept awards for their success on a state test last spring.

Principal Dan Costellow placed medallions around the necks of some students.

“I think it starts with the culture of the school,” Costellow told the Daily News.

He described the school’s atmosphere as close-knit and like a family.

“That sets the stage for academic success,” he said.

Students were honored for their success on the Kentucky Performance Rating for Educational Progress Test, commonly known as the K-PREP Test. The ceremony spanned most of the morning and honored students in the third, fourth and fifth grade last year.

Costellow said the school placed fourth in Warren County Public Schools out of 14 elementary schools along with being rated a distinguished and high performing school.

As many as 182 medallions were given to proficient scorers and 151 for distinguished students. Another 50 plaques were awarded to students scoring both or either proficient and distinguished in all areas in which they tested. Costellow said there was a 17 percent increase in the number of total awards given this year.

Although test results were available in September, Costellow said the ceremony was an effort to remind students of their accomplishments last year and encourage them to do well in the current testing season, which runs from May 19 to May 25.

Costellow opened the ceremony by thanking parents.

“Thank you for sending kids that are well-behaved, ready to learn and who watch out for each other and support each other,” he said. “That’s what we’re known for.”

Amy Duvall, a member of the school district’s board of education, was one of the many parents attending to see their children recognized. Her son, Grayson, is in the sixth grade and received an award for his distinguished reading score.

“Rich Pond is full of excellent teachers,” Duvall said, adding its principal has been great at “creating a community of leaders.”

She also attested to the school’s close-knit feel.

“Rich Pond truly is a family,” she said.

Teressa Shrewsbury also came to see her daughter Halle rewarded for scoring proficient in reading and math.

“I just love the way they’re so invested in the kids,” she said. “It’s very much a community and a family.”

— Follow education reporter Aaron Mudd on Twitter @aaron_muddbgdn or visit bgdailynews.com.