SANDPOINT — What’s the best way to thank a group of students for a job well done?

Throw them a pizza party, of course. And that’s just what Sandpoint High School did Tuesday to celebrate the 30 students who had earned a grade point average of 4.0 or above over the course of their high school career.

SHS Principal David Miles II told the students that they were in a pretty selective group, with only 30 of the 226 students in the senior class earning a 4.0 or above. As a result, they wanted to celebrate the students and honor all of their hard work, time and commitment they’d put into their scholastic careers.

“To sustain that for 3 1/2 years is quite the accomplishment,” he told the students. “You know what we’re really proud of is that you guys kind of represent Sandpoint High School and sort of what can happen at Sandpoint High School, what the students can accomplish and what they can do.”

As much as they’ve enjoyed watching the students achieve so much their high school, he said the school staff is equally excited about what the future holds for the students.

“So we’re really looking forward to the next steps, the next successes that you’ll have after this, whatever that might be and we hope that that is just as successful there, whatever path you choose as it has been here at Sandpoint High School,” Miles said. “We’re really looking forward to that and we ask one thing of you, we want you to come back and share that with us. Come back at some point and visit and say hey guess what, this is what I did with my path or this is where I ended up or this is what I’m doing now.”

It isn’t often that students at the very top are recognized for their hard work, assistant principal Derek Dickinson told the group — after joking that he was surprised to see so many of them because he usually saw them in his office, serving a suspension or at detention.

“Obviously I’m kidding,” he added after the students’ laughter died down.

He told the students that he wanted them to know that their hard work and dedication is appreciated.

“I think what needs to be recognized is that you guys have overcome your own challenges to get here,” he added. “You know some people might think you guys just have it dialed in, right, and we don’t have to worry about this group because you have everything lined up perfectly and obviously that’s not true.”

What some people might not see is that they have worked “super hard to get to this spot” and have overcome their own challenges and issues, showing perseverance, grit and determination.

“I’ve met quite a few of you and know that there’s been some of those roadblocks and you’ve overcome that,” Dickinson said. “I appreciate that and hopefully you appreciate the support you have and I know you do with your parents and family members and teachers and everybody else.

He thanks the students for their hard work and told them it had been fun watching them over the past four years.

Counselor Jeralyn Mire noted the students HAD been in her office quite a bit and said the staff was excited by the students success.

“We are super excited for you guys, super excited to see the things that you’re going to go on and do and the celebration is just beginning,” she added. “You all and your families will be invited to our academic achievement night April 23. Really an important night for you and to celebrate your families because I know probably some of your moms and dads or aunts and uncles or grandmas have been on the side helping you in this journey.”

Caroline Lobsinger can be reached by email at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @CarolDailyBee.