Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
A Vienna school was notified it was receiving the prestigious Blue Ribbon award. Then the U.S. Department of Education cut the program. VIENNA, VA — Over the summer, Principal Kimberly Parker was eager to announce her school. St. Mark Catholic School in Vienna, had the Blue Ribbon Award from the U.S. Department of Education but had to wait for the feds' announcement in September. But at the end of August, the school learned the U.S. Department of Education had cut the program. "That was really hard to hear," Parker told Patch. "Definitely I shed a tear over that but quickly bounced back and said 'we won it. We're going to celebrate it.' We don't need their ribbon to know we're a Blue Ribbon School." The Blue Ribbon Program, first launched in the 1980s under President Ronald Reagan, recognized high-achieving schools based on high student achievement or significant improvements in student achievement. In a letter to states on Aug. 29, a Department of Education official cited a policy of "returning education to the states." The Department of Education has been one target of downsizing by the Trump administration. Although the federal Blue Ribbon School recognition has been eliminated, the Council for American Private Education recognized private schools that earned the award last week. CAPE was responsible for nominating private schools to the U.S. Department of Education for the award. The school held its own celebration on Friday by forming a human blue ribbon with students and teachers wearing blue or gold clothing. A drone captured images of the blue ribbon formation on the school field from above. "It's a fun way for them to physically represent the Blur Ribbon, [since] it's because of their achievements," said Karli Nickerson, president of the PTPO at St. Mark Catholic School. "The kids were so excited to wear their blue and gold colors to represent the school colors." St. Mark Catholic School won the Blue Ribbon Award before in 2015. Schools can reapply for the award after five years. Parker said the school wanted to give other schools a chance to seek the award before reapplying at the 10-year mark. Parker said the school applied last November after test scores allowing it to qualify were released. Parker attributed the award to the students and teachers and stressed the value of the school's faith-based education. "The students worked so hard. They put so much effort into their studies," said Parker. "My teachers are amazing. They don't get paid as much as public school teachers, so it is truly a calling to be a Catholic school teacher. My teachers put their all into everything they do and then more on top of that." Nickerson gave credit to parish leadership and teachers in supporting the students. "They all are in such unison, and the students are amazing," said Nickerson. "The students are not only achieving their goals but they're exceeding them." The school is planning other events through June to celebrate the Blue Ribbon Award. Other upcoming events include blue ribbon art projects, elf games in December with a blue theme, a "blue--out" basketball game of students versus parents, blue-themed treats, a color run for its race for education, and special plans before eighth graders graduate.
