Lewis-Arriola Elementary School Principal Angela Sauk and Montezuma-Cortez School District Superintendent Eddie Ramirez traveled to Denver to accept the elementary school’s John Irwin School of Excellence Award on April 28, receiving the award on behalf of the school.
The presentation was held at the 2025 School District Awards. The ceremony was hosted by Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Cordova and the Colorado State Board of Education at the Denver Art Museum.
The elementary school learned that they were recipients of the award for the 2025 school year in early April. This accomplishment, according to the district, came from outstanding academic achievement, reflected in its “Exceeds Expectations” rating on the Academic Achievement indicator for the Colorado School Performance Frameworks.
Ramirez referred to the award as “a testament to the unwavering commitment of the entire Lewis‑Arriola team.”
With the rating, the school showed strong student performance in math, English language arts and science. It is not the school’s first time receiving the John Irwin School of Excellence Award, as it has received it multiple times in the past.
“Under the leadership of Principal Angi Sauk, Lewis-Arriola Elementary has built a culture centered on high expectations, strong instructional practices and meaningful relationships with students and families,” the district said when the award was announced. “This consistent focus has resulted in sustained academic growth and achievement, positioning the school as a model of excellence in the region.”
bduran@the-journal.com
