The last-day-of-school party took place May 26 at Marion Elementary School.

With music blaring, students were encouraged by MES Principal Rod Garman to stand up and make noise.

Students were recognized in the annual awards assembly for academic achievements.

They included:

• Spelling Bee, fourth through sixth grades — 1. Torey Smith; 2. Paige May; 3. Devon Regnier.
• Geography Bee, fourth through sixth grades — 1. Cade Harms; 2. Caleb Hett.
• DRAGNET essays, sixth grade — Elizabeth Meyer and Kayla Kroupa.
• PATHS after school program, third through sixth grade — Outstanding assistant, Colleen Steele, sixth grade.
• 2 Million words read — Emily Schneider.
• Perfect attendance for school year — Taylor Fahe.
• Teachers recognized for retiring — Jan Davis, Marj Sandberg, and Anita Hancock.

First-graders received certificates for writing to 1,000 as part of a math class. Two students were able to write to 2,000.

Thirty-four fifth- and sixth-graders, who read 500,000 words or more, were able to participate in a special laser game.

The 10 members of the sixth-grade leadership team were recognized.

Twenty students were recognized for having perfect attendance first and second semesters.

Awards were distributed to fifth- and sixth-graders for reading.