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LINOLN COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - In December, WSAZ reported the West Virginia Board of Education’s vote to permanently close Ranger Elementary.

After 25 years of service to the school, Principal Christina Mounts concluded the school’s final year with a celebration of the students and the community.

The school’s closing came after low enrollment, the lack of sprinklers and a main entrance were cited as reasons.

Although the students are moving to Hart’s pre-k-8 and West Hamlin Elementary, Christina Mounts believes they have a bright future.

“They may have came from a little tiny school, but they are capable of big things, and I know in my heart these children are going to accomplish many things.”

Community members and coworkers had no doubts about Mounts’ passion for Ranger and its students.

Lucy Frye was a teacher for more than 20 years and her connection with Mounts brought her back for the final year.

“She knew my teaching style.” Frye also said the family atmosphere at Ranger is second to none, and Mounts couldn’t agree more.

“Doesn’t matter where they go in the world, I’m a phone call away and I will always be here to give them that support.”

The Hometown Hero nomination was just a drop in the bucket for Mounts, who had an amazing career serving Ranger’s youth.

“I’m glad that they accepted me as part of their family, so the award is just icing on the cake,” she said.

Families that have been a part of Ranger Elementary for generations said Mounts made Ranger a home away from home for the children.

“She has such a caring nature for these children. And when she says she treats them as their own, she’s not kidding. She really does. You would think she goes home with them.”

Christina Mounts wanted to leave a long-lasting impact outside of her work as an administrator. The Ranger Veterans Memorial Bridge was recently decorated using the schools’ colors and features handprints from every student to commemorate more than 100 years of Ranger Elementary.

On May 28, students at Ranger Elementary had their last day of school and Christina Mounts will continue her career in education as a K-5 reading coach in Lincoln County.