Nine Richmond County School System schools have been recognized by the Georgia Department of Education for meeting statewide benchmarks in cursive writing instruction.
The schools received John Hancock Awards for their commitment to teaching cursive writing, according to a community announcement. Eight schools earned the John Hancock Banner and Ribbon of Distinction, while one school received the John Hancock Banner and Proficiency Ribbon.
The Ribbon of Distinction recipients are Deer Chase Elementary School, Freedom Park K-8 School, Goshen Elementary School, Hephzibah Elementary School, Jamestown Elementary School, Lake Forest Hills Elementary School, McBean Elementary School and
Richmond Hill Elementary School.
W.S. Hornsby Middle School earned the John Hancock Banner and Proficiency Ribbon.
"Cursive instruction strengthens literacy, builds writing fluency, and connects our students to the historic documents that shaped our nation," Chief Academic Officer Kinesha Ponder said. "We are incredibly proud of our students, teachers, and school leaders for the work they’ve done in the classroom to earn this recognition."
The honors were awarded during Georgia's Constitution Week observance. State education officials reported that 630 schools earned John Hancock Award recognition during the 2025-26 school year.
What the recognition means
Schools receiving a Proficiency Ribbon demonstrated that at least 90% of students could write their names in cursive, according to the announcement.
Schools earning a Ribbon of Distinction met a higher benchmark, with at least 90% of students able to write both their names and the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution in cursive.
According to the announcement, the recognition comes as schools prepare for observances tied to America's 250th anniversary and efforts to help students read historic documents in their original form.
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This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Richmond County schools earn state honors for cursive writing
