Belmont Elementary earns national award for its work with students

(L to R) Beth Doll, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Belmont Principal Kim Rosenthal; Belmont Psychologist Marnie Zabel; Belmont Assistant Principal Amy Dixon

The American Psychological Association (APA) and its Board of Education Affairs (BEA) has honored Belmont Elementary School for its ability to adapt to the needs of students while ensuring the highest standards for their achievement, engagement and social competence.

Belmont received the BEA Golden Psi Award, becoming only the seventh school in the country to earn the honor. Previous winners include schools from Los Angeles, Dallas and Florida. The award is open to all public and private schools, from pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Beth Doll, interim dean and a professor with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Education and Human Sciences, is an APA member and presented the award to Belmont Principal Kim Rosenthal during a staff meeting on Tuesday.

“In a competition dominated by coastal states, Belmont has proven that the Great Plains state of Nebraska does quality education well,” Doll said, later adding, “I want to say thank you for all that you do for the Lincoln community and congratulations. This award is for all of you.”

“This award really is because of all of your hard work,” Rosenthal said to her staff. “You guys are the ones doing this every single day. Thank you for everything you do to make our students successful. That really is why we do all of this. It is to make our students be successful, not only academically while they’re at Belmont but so they can have life success, as well.”

Lincoln Board of Education member Annie Mumgaard attended Belmont and also was on hand for the award presentation. Mumgaard said the school and larger Belmont community still hold special meaning for her.

“Just driving up today and seeing all of the amazing kids leaving for the day, I thought, ‘This is a great place to be.’”


Published: May 16, 2019, Updated: May 16, 2019

"You guys are the ones doing this every single day. Thank you for everything you do to make our students successful. That really is why we do all of this. It is to make our students be successful, not only academically while they’re at Belmont but so they can have life success, as well."

Belmont Principal Kim Rosenthal, talking to her staff on Tuesday