Letters are not just for athletic achievement any more at Marshalltown High School.
The school held its first academic awards night Thursday to honor more than 230 students for earning a 3.5 grade point average for two consecutive semesters.
These students received an academic letter and can earn bars for that letter if they continue to achieve a GPA of 3.5 of higher for two more consecutive semesters.
"Academic achievement is important and we want to recognize academic achievement," said MHS Principal Aiddy Phomvisay.
Students were brought to the stage one by one to shake hands with school administrators and receive their letter as their name was announced to the crowd of hundreds at the MHS/Community Auditorium.
"It's nice for everyone to come together," said MHS senior Brennan Goodman, who was among those honored Thursday. "I think it means a lot to the school."
Maintaining a high GPA is important to Megan Major, a junior who was recognized at the event.
"It's a goal I have for myself to have a better chance of getting into a higher college," Major said.
Marshalltown Schools Superintendent Marvin Wade was happy to see the big crowd of students, parents, school staff and community members in attendance.
"To see this many people here is a testament to the fact that we do value education and that we do value achievement," Wade said.
