St. Joseph Wins Blue Ribbon School Award

September 9, 2010

Lockport, Ill - “St. Joseph School, Lockport ~ 2010 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence!!!! The Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Program is a United States government program created to honor schools. The Blue Ribbon Award is considered the highest honor an American school can achieve.”

On Thursday morning, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced that St. Joseph School was selected by the U.S. Department of Education as a 2010 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. We are thrilled to receive this prestigious honor. This national recognition and award demonstrates that SJS is one of the top performing schools in the nation, a model for others to follow. In fact, we are one of four Catholic schools to receive this award in Illinois based on our high performing test scores that continue to be in the TOP 10% of the nation! This moment of distinction would not be possible today if it wasn’t for the supportive parish community, our pastor, staff and school families ~ past and present ~ who have helped create the legacy of St. Joseph School. It is truly the cumulative and collective efforts over the course of many years that have enabled us to receive this honor and award. I am so appreciative of the teachers and staff who create this amazing learning environment of spiritual and academic excellence where all children thrive. I am so appreciative of our School Board, parents, students, and families who have helped to create the award winning and first class environment of faith and learning. What a blessing that St. Joseph continues to grow in wisdom and grace! Most importantly, we continue to be a school where Jesus is present in every child and teacher. Our children are immersed in the tradition of excellence that began at St. Joseph School back in the 1880’s and today, we are recognized for that distinction!

While I couldn’t possibly be prouder or more BLUE, I have been so humbled by the outpouring of our community since the announcement. The phone calls have been non-stop….we have heard from just about everyone! The Diocese of Joliet is thrilled with this distinction. The local dignitaries of the area are amazed that we are the 1st in the local area to hold this honor. And, I received a call yesterday from Washington, DC. Okay, it wasn’t the President (but I am sure he will call at some point, right?). The Executive Director of the National Catholic Education Association, Brother Bill Cambpell called to congratulate our school. “From the NCEA executive board and association, our sincerest congratulations is extended to your entire staff, students, and families. This award represents the best in education across the nation, and we couldn’t be prouder! Knowing the level of excellence that is necessary to qualify and the demanding process of application, everyone at St. Joseph School should be congratulated.” In addition, we were proud to have our new Superintendent, Fr. Belmonte join us at Back to School Night to make the official announcement to our parents. His kind words and admiration for our teachers and staff added to the pride and joy in our hearts. Our favorite quote is noted above. “St. Joseph would be proud to send his Son to St. Joseph in Lockport.” I am not sure that there is a higher compliment for our school. His words certainly touched our hearts and souls last night. As we continue to hear such kind words, I must admit that some of my favorite remarks are from the children. At drop off this morning, I was cheered, high-fived, and hugged from many! “Good Morning, Blue Ribbon Principal!” “I can’t believe we are a Blue Ribbon School!” “All these Blue Ribbons around the trees worked!” “Woo Hoo, we are BLUE!” It can’t get any better than hearing from the students of SJS!

As supportive parents and partners in education, I thank you for all of your support for our school. We wouldn’t be so BLUE without you! You are award winning Blue Ribbon parents, you have award winning Blue Ribbon students, and you belong to an award winning Blue Ribbon family! Thank you for your assistance to get SJS to the place it is today.....a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence! May God continue to shower his blessings upon us!

Miss Lynne Scheffler

P.S. We will have upcoming BLUE celebrations heading our way. It is just the beginning……..

"It is fitting that the patron saint of this school is St. Joseph. I know that St. Joseph would be proud to send his Son here to St. Joseph School in Lockport.”

Fr. John Belmonte
Blue Ribbon -Superintendent of the Diocese of Joliet