You can't blame Sweetwater City School System administrators, teachers, staff and students for wearing big smiles on their faces.

After all, it was announced Monday that the Sweetwater City School System was one of only 21 out of 136 school systems in the state to earn "Exemplary" status.

According to the Tennessee Department of Education report released Monday, the Exemplary 21 school districts raised proficiency levels on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) tests; made substantial progress in closing gaps between groups of students; and ensured improvement for racial minorities, as well as students with disabilities, limited English proficiency and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

"I am very pleased," Sweetwater City School System Director Dr. Melanie Miller said.  

See full story in the Wednesday, August 1, edition of The Advocate & Democrat.