CHESTER SPRINGS, PA — Students at West Vincent Elementary School, in the Owen J. Roberts School District, celebrated its distinction as a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School on Friday, January 31, 2020. West Vincent is one of 362 schools recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2019 and one of only 18 recognized in the state based on a school’s overall academic performance.
The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.
Pennsylvania House Representatives Tim Hennessey and Danielle Friel Otten presented the school with a citation and the Honorable Katie Muth will also commend the school’s performance. Amber Little Turner, Representative for U.S. Senator Pat Toomey, read a statement from the senator. Other esteemed guests include retired principal, Ken Swart, former Blue Ribbon awardee from East Coventry Elementary School, several Owen J. Roberts school board directors and retired staff.
Three sixth grade students described what West Vincent Elementary means to them and each grade was represented in thinking of West Vincent as a special place to learn. The hour long program concluded with a flash of singing and dancing.
Mr. Edward J. Smith, Principal of West Vincent Elementary School, offered, “I am blessed and honored to be a small part of the West Vincent school community. The National Blue-Ribbon Award is a well-deserved recognition to our staff, students, and every family that has been a part of West Vincent Elementary School. Additionally, the National Blue-Ribbon Award is recognizing not just West Vincent, but the entire Owen J. Roberts School District.”
Dr. Susan Lloyd, Owen J. Roberts Superintendent invited legislators to consider what it takes to have an exemplary school and to work to make sure every school in Pennsylvania is funded in a way that affords every child the opportunities they need and deserve, and the chance to learn in a Blue Ribbon setting.
Now in its 37th year, the Blue Ribbon program allows up to 420 schools to be nominated each year. The Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by The Council for American Private Education (CAPE).
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