Press Release
St. Vincent de Paul Grade School receives Blue Ribbon Award in Washington D.C.

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Washington, D.C.
November 16, 2010

St. Vincent de Paul Grade School, Peoria, receives Blue Ribbon Award from Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan

On November 15th and 16th, representatives from St. Vincent de Paul Grade School, Peoria, Illinois, were present in Washington D.C. to attend the National Blue Ribbon Awards ceremony.

Attending were Msgr. Jason Gray, Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, and three teachers: Sarah Hogan, 3rd grade; Froncie Clubb, 3rd grade; and Jenn Huss, Technology Teacher. All three teachers were instrumental in preparing the successful Blue Ribbon application.

On Monday, November 15, St. Vincent de Paul was welcomed by Aba Kumi, director of the Blue Ribbon Schools Program and by Thelma Meléndez de Santa Ana, Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education for the U.S. Department of Education. Assistant Secretary Meléndez de Santa Ana spoke about the important role that Blue Ribbon schools play in their local communities. Blue Ribbon schools should share their successes and serve as an inspiration so that every school should strive to be outstanding by every child an excellent education.

On Monday, November 15, the representatives from St. Vincent de Paul were also greeted by U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (IL-18) who delivered a declaration from the U.S. House of Representatives honoring St. Vincent de Paul School on this achievement. The declaration was read into the Congressional Record on November 15, 2010.

On Tuesday, November 16, the representatives from St. Vincent de Paul were also greeted by Secretary Ray LaHood, U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Secretary LaHood is from Peoria which he previously represented in the U.S. House of Representatives. Moreover, Secretary LaHood is a former Catholic School teacher and has grandchildren enrolled in St. Vincent de Paul School. Secretary LaHood praised the hard work of the administration, teachers, and staff whose commitment is seen in this prestigious award.

On Tuesday, November 16, St. Vincent de Paul received the Blue Ribbon award from Secretary Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education. The award was accepted by Msgr. Jason Gray, Pastor, St. Vincent de Paul Parish. Before the awards were presented, Secretary Duncan spoke about the many efforts that the Department of Education undertakes to strengthen the education offered to every child in the country. He spoke of the goals of the administration to improve graduation rates, to make early childhood education more available, and to assist students to achieve a college degree regardless of their financial means.

On Monday, November 29th, a local ceremony will be held in Peoria to bestow the Blue Ribbon Award at St. Vincent de Paul School. The U.S. Department of Education will be represented by Mr. Tim Tuten, Special Assistant Director of Special Projects, who will confer the award. The award will be received by Msgr. Jason Gray, Pastor, and by Dr. James Minick, Principal.

Secretary LaHood will be present for a local ceremony to be held in Peoria at St. Vincent de Paul School on Monday, November 29th.

St. Vincent de Paul School received the Blue Ribbon Award because it has demonstrated a pattern of excellence in the education and formation of young people. The school listed several strengths in the Blue Ribbon application. St. Vincent welcomes all students and provides a vibrant Catholic environment to teach strong moral values. St. Vincent establishes students as effective leaders with a positive and moral impact on the community. St. Vincent is strengthened by the teachers, but also by strong leadership among the parents who help build up the St. Vincent school family.

Academically, St. Vincent strives to continuously improve its program and curriculum as a North Central Association Accredited school. St. Vincent has placed in the 90th percentile nationally in math and reading for the past five years. Teachers use a variety of innovative instructional methods, drawing upon modern technology in the classroom. Individualized testing allows teachers to respond to the needs of every student at his or her level. Students study Spanish beginning in 2nd grade.

Extracurricular activities supplement the academic program. Among the extracurricular activities is the spring musical, a new addition since a new gymnasium with a stage was built in 2008. St. Vincent has a strong athletic program. Our 7th grade boys and 8th grade girls took the state title in their division in the 2009-2010 school year.

A recent renovation and expansion allows St. Vincent de Paul School to provide the facilities to meet a variety of program needs. The $6M project was completed in 2008, refitting existing classrooms with air conditioning and energy efficient improvements. The new construction provided a gym with regulation basketball and volleyball courts, a stage, and a music room.

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