Lincoln Park School Becomes 1st Chicago Elementary To Earn Blue Ribbon Twice

CHICAGO, IL — St. Josaphat School on Southport Avenue earned a National Blue Ribbon on Thursday, becoming the first Chicago elementary school to claim the honor twice. The Catholic school also earned the honor in 2010. The school posted, "We couldn't be more excited!" on its Facebook page Thursday, with pictures of students cheering.

“We could not be more proud of this recognition on behalf of St. Josaphat School,” Principal Nel Mullens said in a statement.

“The faculty and staff are most deserving of this honor. This award affirms what we know about the level of excellence in education our children receive.”

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos awarded 25 schools in Illinois the honor, out of 342 nation-wide. The National Blue Ribbon honor is based on overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps.

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Father Francis Bitterman, Pastor of St. Josaphat, stated, “I wish to commend the St. Josaphat School teachers, support staff, parents, and most of all our students for this significant achievement. Their hard work and talent made this honor happen.”

Now in its 35th year, the Department of Education has bestowed the award on more than 8,500 schools, 90 of which went to Archdiocese schools. The Department will formally recognize the schools at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. in November. Mullens plans to attend the ceremony to accept the award, along with Assistant Principal Jen Kowieski.

A celebration at St. Josaphat School will be held Oct. 3, at 8:30 a.m. Faculty and students will be honored along with the announcement of a donation made to the Hurricane Relief Fund run by Catholic Charities.

Photo via Google Maps Streetview