FORT LUPTON, Colo. (CBS4)- Fort Lupton Middle School students have something to celebrate. Their school has been named the best middle school in the nation.

Students gathered in the gymnasium for an assembly Friday afternoon to celebrate the award. It was given by the National Association of Middle School Principals.

The organization looked at schools across the U.S. It chose Fort Lupton based on its efforts to constantly improve.

“I think it’s the very individualized, personal relationships. We know out kids’ stories and we work very hard to recognize them individually, to find opportunities for them individually and to raise them up any way we can,” said Fort Lupton Middle School principal Melanie Patterson.

Fort Lupton Middle School was awarded a crystal trophy and a $1,500 prize.