On August 9, 2006, a total of 22 schools were recognized by the West Virginia Department of Education in Charleston as having earned the status of School of Excellence. 16 were Elementary, three were Middle/Jr. High, two were High Schools, and one was a Career and Technical Center. South Branch proudly stood alone as the only Career and Technical Center in the state to have earned the coveted distinction.

The Schools of Excellence are selected based on the following criteria: a rigorous and challenging curriculum, a safe and drug-free learning environment, participatory leadership, active teaching and learning, an environment that strengthens teacher skills, documented student achievement and implementing advanced and innovated programs.

Dr. Steven Paine, State Superintendent of Schools, presided over the ceremony and recognized our "...school's effectiveness in meeting local, state and national goals and standards of educational quality and the application of 21st century learning skills..." He added: "Rewarding the hard work and dedication of school administrators and teachers is vital as our state increases rigor across the curriculum... These schools have continually exceeded the academic bar and they deserve this prestigious recognition.”

Pictured above are Mr. Robert Sisk (center), Director,  holding a plaque presented by Dr. Paine; Holding the banner are Dr. Paine (left) and Dr. Lowell Johnson (right), President of the West Virginia Board of Education; To Dr. Paine's left is Dr. Marsha Carr-Lambert, Superintendent of Grant County Schools; Behind Dr. Carr-Lambert (L-R) are Mrs. Helena Twigg, instructor, Mrs. Wanda Harman, instructor, and Mr. Doug Swick, instructor; On Mr. Sisk's right are (L-R) Mrs. Bev Bolyard, instructor, Mr. Grover Duling, Dean of Students, Mr. Randy Whetstone, instructor; Behind Mr. Swick are Mr. Jack Vogel, longtime President of South Branch Career and Technical Center's Administrative Council, and Mr. Greg Pennington, Member of Grant County Board of Education and representative to South Branch's Administrative Council; Behind Mrs. Bolyard are Mr. Kiser, instructor and Mr. Doug Lambert, Superintendent of Pendleton County Schools.

The memorable event concluded with a buffet-style dinner.

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