COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- One Colorado Springs school found itself in the national spotlight recently. The National Association of Middle School Principals named Cheyenne Mountain Junior High the "School of the Year" in Colorado and runner-up to their "National School of the Year" award.

Students and faculty alike were enthusiastic about their school's sense of community and recent growth.

"I'm just really proud. I stand on the shoulders of all the teachers in this building who continuously try to improve and make this the best place for kids," Principal Lori Smith said. Smith added she is most proud of the students showing growth in every subcategory of their TCAP testing. She said over the past four years, their school has been working to improve programs that teach goal setting and self advocacy.

Hank sparks, "Head Boy" of CMJH said, "It's not that we're smart... we just try very hard." Sparks added, "I feel like we all have these great opportunities at the junior high and they can make us the same well-rounded people."

The award's sponsor, Lifetime Photography, awarded the school $500 to use how they see fit.

Principal Smith said this money will go to scholarships for students who need help participating in extracurricular clubs as well as additional teacher training.