Ozark East Named Gold Star School

East Elementary was full of hoots and hollers on Wednesday, May 14 when Principal Karen Capen announced to staff and students that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) named Ozark East Elementary School one of eight Missouri Gold Star Schools for 2025.

“We’re so proud to receive the Missouri Gold Star Award,” Capen said. “This really speaks to the incredible work our teachers and staff do every day. They give their best for kids, support each other, and create a school where students can truly thrive.”

This is the second time East has received the honor, the first being in 2014. Dr. Craig Carson, Ozark School District Assistant Superintendent of Learning, said this is a great honor and speaks volumes to the quality of education Ozark offers districtwide. 

"We are grateful for the Gold Star recognition for East Elementary," he said. "The staff has worked extremely hard to ensure each child's success." 

Students in kindergarten through fourth grade attend East Elementary, which is under the direction of Capen as principal and Brianna Kelly as assistant principal. 

“At East, we believe in Exceed. Achieve. Succeed. Together,” Capen said. “This award is a great reminder of what we can accomplish as a team.”

The Missouri Gold Star program recognizes schools for outstanding academic achievement or for performing at high levels while serving a significant portion of disadvantaged students. Established in 1991, criteria mirrors that for the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Schools program. Winners for the national award will be announced in the fall. 

“Congratulations to the students, teachers, and staff members at each of these schools for earning this recognition,” DESE Commissioner of Education Dr. Karla Eslinger said in a press release. “These schools demonstrate that academic excellence is possible while striving to help their students find their path to success. We’re so proud of their hard work.”

West Elementary was named a Missouri Gold Star School in 2020, which was followed by the National Blue Ribbon recognition that same year.