Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- More than 30 of Gwinnett County's low-income schools have been recognized by the Georgia Department of Education for meeting and exceeding the state's academic standards.

State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox announced that 34 Gwinnett County schools are Title I Distinguished Schools, according to a news release. Last year, 22 schools received the recognition.

The Georgia Department of Education annually recognizes Title I schools that excel in meeting achievement standards. Title I schools receive federal funds to better serve their students, which include a high percentage of students receiving free or reduced lunch.

A Title I school earns the "Distinguished" title for making adequate yearly progress under No Child Left Behind for three or more consecutive years. Along with the title, most of the schools receive a monetary award to continue providing services to its students.

This year's honored schools from Gwinnett are as follows:

Six years as a Title I Distinguished School (Eight consecutive years of making AYP)

* Annistown Elementary -- $1,068 award

* Hopkins Elementary -- $9,810 award

* Kanoheda Elementary -- $9,810 award

Five years as a Title I Distinguished School (Seven consecutive years of making AYP)

* Bethesda Elementary -- $712 award

* Britt Elementary -- $712 award

* Cedar Hill Elementary -- $712 award

* Knight Elementary -- $712 award

* Lilburn Elementary -- $7,848 award

* Nesbit Elementary -- $7,848 award

* Norcross Elementary -- $7,848 award

* Norton Elementary -- $712 award

* Partee Elementary -- $712 award

* Peachtree Elementary -- $712 award

Four years as a Title I Distinguished School (Six consecutive years of making AYP)

* Alford Elementary -- $712 award

* Corley Elementary -- $7,848 award

* Meadowcreek Elementary -- $7,848 award

* Minor Elementary -- $712 award

* Rockbridge Elementary -- $7,848 award

* Sycamore Elementary -- $712 award

* Central Gwinnett High -- $712 award

Three years as a Title I Distinguished School (Five consecutive years of making AYP)

* Beaver Ridge Elementary -- $7,848 award

* Centerville Elementary -- $712 award

* Chesney Elementary -- $712 award

* Winn Holt Elementary -- $712 award

Two years as a Title I Distinguished School (Four consecutive years of making AYP)

* Simonton Elementary -- $712 award

First year as a Title I Distinguished School (Three consecutive years of making AYP)

* Benefield Elementary -- Certificate only

* Lawrenceville Elementary -- Certificate only

* Stripling Elementary -- Certificate only

* Berkmar Middle -- Certificate only

* Lilburn Middle -- Certificate only

* Shiloh Middle -- Certificate only

* Snellville Middle -- Certificate only

* Summerour Middle -- Certificate only

* Norcross High -- Certificate only