Grand Junction, Colo. (KKCO) – Thursday in Delta, it is officially Garnet Mesa Elementary day, proclaimed by city council. The school is being honored for its 2013 National Blue Ribbon Award.

The school principal Jim Farmer accepted the award in Washington D.C. in November.

On Thursday morning, the award was presented to the school's staff and students at a flag raising ceremony.

The National Blue Ribbon program honors schools that perform at high levels or where significant improvements have been made.

"The work that’s been put in over all these years, it just kind of chokes you up that you actually won something this important, and have come this far. My students are so excited about being the blue ribbon school," said Farmer.

Each year only five Colorado schools are recognized with the award.

Now when you walk in to Garnet Mesa Elementary, you will find a wall with the Blue Ribbon award, pictures of the staff and a letter from President Obama thanking them for their achievement.