Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
November 17, 2023
Elizabethtown Area High School Honored with National Blue Ribbon Award in Washington, DC
On a momentous occasion, Elizabethtown Area School District proudly announces that its leaders have formally been presented with the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award by the United States Department of Education. This esteemed accolade has been bestowed on Elizabethtown Area High School, underscoring the school's unwavering commitment to delivering an exemplary education and setting a standard for educational institutions nationwide.
A formal ceremony, held in Washington, DC, on Friday, November 17, celebrated Elizabethtown Area High School among 353 school districts across the country recognized for their outstanding educational systems. In 2023, Elizabethtown Area High School stood out as one of three high schools in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to achieve this distinction.
Dr. Karen Nell, superintendent of schools; Dr. Jason D’Amico, high school principal; and Ms. Kelly Santoro, high school faculty member, represented Elizabethtown at the national ceremony where the school faculty and staff were lauded for their visionary guidance, collaborative endeavors, and unwavering commitment to fostering an environment conducive to student achievement.
"Today, as we stand here humbled and honored to receive the National Blue Ribbon Award, we reflect not only on the accolade itself but on the collective journey that brought us to this moment. This prestigious recognition is not just a testament to our commitment to educational excellence at Elizabethtown Area High School, but a celebration of the collaborative spirit that defines our entire school district team of professional staff, support staff, students, and community,” Dr. Nell proudly declared.
The prestigious Blue Ribbon Award, a national symbol of educational distinction, is a remarkable acknowledgment of our teachers and school administrators' relentless efforts and exceptional achievements. Their unparalleled dedication and innovative approaches to education and supporting all students to overcome barriers to learning through our culture of belonging efforts helped to secure this highly acclaimed honor.
Receiving the Blue Ribbon Award is more than an acknowledgment of achievement; it is a validation of the unwavering dedication and innovative spirit permeating our classrooms district-wide, our educators' passion K-12, our students' resilience, and the support of our school directors, parents, and community. It underscores the belief that every barrier to learning can be overcome through a shared commitment to fostering a culture of belonging and providing a top-tier education for all.
This prestigious recognition is not just a testament to our commitment to educational excellence at Elizabethtown Area High School, but a celebration of the collaborative spirit that defines our entire school district team of professional staff, support staff, students, and community - Dr. Karen Nell
Award-Ceremony Live Stream (EAHS is honored at the 2:31:15 mark)
September 21, 2023
Elizabethtown Area High School named 2023 National Blue Ribbon School
Elizabethtown Area School District is proud to announce that Elizabethtown Area High School has been awarded the prestigious Blue Ribbon School designation by the U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. This recognition is a testament to the outstanding educational opportunities and achievements offered by our dedicated educators, motivated students, and supportive school community.
The Blue Ribbon School Program is a nationally recognized award that honors public and private K-12 schools across the United States for their academic excellence and exceptional achievements. Each year, the U.S. Department of Education identifies and celebrates schools that demonstrate exemplary performance. Elizabethtown Area High School is one of three high schools in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to earn this distinction in 2023 and joins 353 other school districts from around the nation that earned this year’s highly prestigious honor.
"We are thrilled that our high school has received the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School designation for Exemplary High Performing Schools. This achievement results from the collaborative efforts of our talented staff, enthusiastic students, and supportive community. I am exceptionally proud of not only our high school faculty but also the entire district team who contributes to student achievement and a culture of belonging on a daily basis," proclaimed Dr. Karen Nell, school district superintendent. "This award reaffirms our commitment to providing a high-quality, “Life Ready” education that prepares students for success in the 21st century."
I am exceptionally proud of not only our high school faculty but also the entire district team who contributes to student achievement and a culture of belonging on a daily basis - Dr. Nell
Now in its 40th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has presented this coveted award to approximately 10,000 schools, including some that won multiple awards. Schools recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools are celebrated for their excellence and serve as models of effective school practices for others nationwide. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes all honorees in one of two performance categories based on all student scores, student subgroup scores, and graduation rates:
- Exemplary High-Performing Schools are among their state's highest-performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
- Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools are among their state's highest-performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school's student groups and all students.
Elizabethtown Area High School's award was in the Exemplary High-Performing School category. The rigorous selection process for the Blue Ribbon Schools Program included a comprehensive review of academic data, evidence of instructional excellence, and an extensive application process. The award recognized past achievements and signified a commitment to continued improvement and excellence in education.
The District's application centered around its ongoing commitment to its Life Ready Model and Culture of Belonging initiatives. The Life Ready Model aligns our academic offerings with personalized and career-specific learning opportunities to help all students achieve their goals and aspirations. Our Culture of Belonging effort pairs our academic offerings with opportunities that support emotional readiness, social skills, and teamwork to optimize our students' school experience and help propel them to pursue their desired path after graduation.
The official Blue Ribbon School awards ceremony will take place in Washington, DC, where the U.S. Department of Education will formally recognize Elizabethtown Area High School for this outstanding achievement.