ENTERPRISE — Joy was in the air Thursday morning as the Enterprise School District was honored for being named the top district in the state. 

Officials with the Mississippi Department of Education are touring the state to recognize successful school districts. Enterprise is one of nine districts on the tour.  State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright was in attendance, along with state and local government officials. 

Wright said this is the third year in a row the Enterprise district has been recognized for its excellence.  She noted the high marks reflect how much the community supports the district. 

“When you earn an A, that lets everybody know — not only those just in the district and in the community, — that you are the very best in the state,” said Wright.

Besides being named the top district in the state, Enterprise was also rated as an “A” district.

All three schools were “A” schools, as well as the middle and high schools were named number one in the state. Enterprise Elementary School was named number five in the state.

Superintendent Josh Perkins said the system’s most valuable resources aren’t its programs, facilities or technology, but its teachers. He described students in Enterprise as hard working and dedicated.

“They are willing to put in the effort that it takes to be successful,” Perkins said.

Enterprise Mayor Larry Murray said the recognition is good for the town. 

State Rep. William Shirley of District 84 agreed, describing Thursday as “a great day for the state of Mississippi, and a great day for Enterprise.”