CHESTER SPRINGS, PA — West Vincent Elementary School, in the Owen J. Roberts School District, has been deemed a National Blue Ribbon School. On September 26, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recognized 362 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2019. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance.
“We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a video message to the honorees. “As a National Blue Ribbon School, your school demonstrates what is possible when committed educators hold all students and staff to high standards and create vibrant, innovative cultures of teaching and learning.”
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.
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.”
Now in its 37th year, the 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). West Vincent is the second Owen J. Roberts School to be selected as a National Blue Ribbon School. East Coventry Elementary School had the honor in 1995.
On November 14 and 15, the Secretary and the Department of Education will celebrate with 312 public and 50 non-public school honorees at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
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