A Rockland elementary school has received one of the nation's most prestigious academic awards.

Cherry Lane Elementary in Airmont has become the first school in the Ramapo Central School District to win the National Blue Ribbon Award from the Department of Education.

The Blue Ribbon Award is given to only a few select schools and recognizes a school as being one of the highest performing schools in the state.

The weekend, the community threw a celebration which included a parade with current and former Cherry Lane Students, along with a flag raising ceremony with plenty of dignitaries. There were free games and activities for the kids, along with a barbecue dinner provided by Bobby Q's Smokehouse of Suffern.