The Zachary Community School Board meeting, held May 24, was a night of honors, recognitions and celebration.

The school district announced its scores last Thursday from the recent Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) testing, and once again, Zachary students excelled, achieving the highest marks in the state.

Eighty-seven percent of Zachary's 4th- and 8th-graders scored at the proficient level or higher, putting them ahead of other all students who took the state-mandated tests, said Karin Lawliss, district supervisor for accountability.

Lawless said 95 percent of Zachary's fourth-graders met LEAP standards, a score down two points from last year.

The district's 8th-graders faired well also, Lawless said. Ninety-two percent met the promotional standards - up from 87 percent the previous year. "This is all wonderful news," said Lawless. "Our theme for the year has been Beyond Boundaries, and we've definitely acheived our goals beyond any boundaries we set."

Unofficial calculations show Zachary has the highest performace in five different grade levels and the second-highest in one grade level, Lawless said.

The state goal for 2014 is 120, and four grade levels have already exceeded that mark, she said.

The Zachary School District has maintained the top district performance score in the state for the past seven years.

SUPERINTENDENT REPORT: "We had a great school year," Warren Drake reported. "We have super good scores. We congratulate the Class of 2012 and all graduating students who will be moving on to new grade levels next year."

Drake said Zachary High's Katie Browne (softball) and Drew Patin (golf) were named Star of Stars by The Advocate for their recent athletic success.

Browne signed with the University of Georgia last year, and Patin recently signed with Meridian Community College in Mississippi.

Drake also gave updates on several school projects taking place over the summer, including Ada Street, which will receive new concrete and a turning lane from Rollins Road into the high school once completed.

He also reported on the new ZHS cafeteria and Visual/Performing Arts complex which are both under construction, as well as the new first- and second-grade school, Rollins Elementary.

HONORS/RECOGNITIONS: Five students were honored as champions for medaling at the Special Olympics State games held May 18 - 20 in Hammond.

The adapted physical education department was also recognized. Each teacher and student received a certificate of appreciation.

The five students honored were: Jeren Franklin, Troy LeBlanc, Arianna Minor, Kevone Washington and Grayson Bastedo.

The ZHS Olympic Weightlifting team also received honors for winning the state championship the past three years.

Robbie Yellott, of ZHS, and Marlene Rami, of Zachary Early Learning Center, were recognized for going beyond the call of duty.

Dr. Michelle Clayton was honored for her position as the district's director of accountability, a position she's held since Zachary became an independent school district in 2003.

Clayton will become the new executive director of achievement for the Recovery School District in Baton Rouge.

Clayton received a plaque in recognition of her service to the Zachary Community School District.