With the National Lincoln Highway Association Education and a monetary award are Ben Adams, South Tama Middle school principal, Allan Richards, past president of the Iowa Lincoln Highway Association, Lauren Upah, STC student and Colleen Davis, president of Lincoln Highway Bridge Park Organization Tama-Toledo. Photo/Dana Davis-Hanson

South Tama Elementary School has won the 2015 National Lincoln Highway Association Education Award.

The award was presented to the 5th Graders at the Middle School as it was last years 4th Grade class that put in the effort and work to win the award.

A wall trophy with a bell and designation as the award winner will be given to the Elementary students to display at the school.

Also, a $50 donation to the class was made by the Lincoln Highway Association, which was matched by Principal Ben Adams from the Middle School.

The students completed several segments of learning and community support in winning the award. Led by 4th grade teacher Darla Cory, the students did research and read stories about the importance of the Lincoln Highway and about roads in general as part of their class room studies. Guest speakers presented the history of the highway and about Abraham Lincoln.

The banner created by South Tama Elementary School 4th graders during the 2104-15 school session depicting the 1915 Lincoln Highway Bridge in Tama was part of the class efforts led by their teacher, Darla Cory, to win the National Lincoln Highway Association Education Award. It is currently on display and may be viewed in the Tama County Administration Building, 104 W. State, Toledo. News-Herald/John Speer

As part of their craft and art section, the students made a banner depicting the Lincoln Highway Bridge. It is currently on display at the Tama County Administration Building, 104 W. State, St., Toledo.

In the students’ support and efforts to help save the Tama Lincoln Highway Bridge from heavy bridge traffic, the 4th graders picket up sticks and trash at the Bridge Park. Additionally, the students each planted a flower that is now growing by the flag pole in the park.

As part of the annual Lincoln Highway Bridge Festival, the students participated with the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem.

The hard work by the students and teir community support was rewarded with this high honor. The students have indicated they want to continue their support of the Lincoln Highway and the community.

The community should thank all the students for their honorable character, achievement and dedication to home and community.