National award for Norway
‘Blue Ribbon’ designation at elementary school announced
(Terri Castelaz/Daily News photos) Students and staff learned Tuesday that Norway Elementary had been selected as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Principal Rico Meneghini and Norway-Vulcan Area Schools Superintendent Lou Steigerwald display the National Blue Ribbon School banner.
Norway Elementary School students — from left, Lillian Schultz, Lily Erickson, Kendall Proctor and Avery Baij — enjoy a Blue Ribbon ice cream treat after the announcement.
Norway Elementary School Principal Rico Meneghini gets the students cheering as the U.S. Department of Education livestreamed an announcement that the school was honored as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School.
Aide Kim Mariucci hands out ice cream bars to Briley Rush and Leo VanEynde.
(Terri Castelaz/Daily News photos) Students and staff learned Tuesday that Norway Elementary had been selected as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Principal Rico Meneghini and Norway-Vulcan Area Schools Superintendent Lou Steigerwald display the National Blue Ribbon School banner.
Norway Elementary School students — from left, Lillian Schultz, Lily Erickson, Kendall Proctor and Avery Baij — enjoy a Blue Ribbon ice cream treat after the announcement.
Norway Elementary School Principal Rico Meneghini gets the students cheering as the U.S. Department of Education livestreamed an announcement that the school was honored as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School.
Aide Kim Mariucci hands out ice cream bars to Briley Rush and Leo VanEynde.
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NORWAY -- Norway Elementary School students burst into cheers Tuesday afternoon as they learned they'd been named a National Blue Ribbon School.
The announcement was made by the U.S. Department of Education during a livestream.
The recognition is based on a school's overall academic performance and educational environment, as well as the success they have achieved in closing the gaps between subgroups of students.
The National Blue Ribbon designation is perhaps the most prestigious award a school can receive, Norway-Vulcan Area Schools Superintendent Lou Steigerwald said.
"It's such a huge honor," Steigerwald said. "We are really proud of all our students, staff and families who helped us win this award."
Steigerwald also was excited to finally be able to reveal the news and the honor banner.
"We will proudly display this symbol and plaster it everywhere," Norway Elementary School Principal Rico Meneghini added.
Norway Elementary was among 353 schools recognized for 2023 award. The 11 other Michigan schools to earn the designation included Houghton Elementary School.
"It's an incredible achievement, as there are more than 115,000 schools nominated," Meneghini said.
"The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to Raise the Bar in education," U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a news release.
"The leaders, educators and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Cardona said.
Before this year, only one other public school in the U.P. had ever received the honor, Steigerwald said.
"It's not easy to achieve, as the award is not something a school applies for," Meneghini added, noting the award is in its 40th year.
The state's Department of Education handles the designation without the knowledge or input of schools. The U.S. Department of Education then reviews applications and selects awardees.
Steigerwald and Meneghini both emphasized the great staff who educate and guide students daily.
"Recent state tests scores demonstrated how well the students are doing," said Meneghini, adding they have seen improvements each year.
They also acknowledged the entire support staff, school board and the team of administrators.
"This honor would not be possible without the dedication of everyone involved with our school," Steigerwald said. "Thank you to our families for helping support Norway-Vulcan students in their academic journeys."
In November, Meneghini, along with fourth-grade teacher MaryBeth Paul, will represent the elementary school at the official awards ceremony in Washington D.C.
Menghini noted Paul's peers selected her to join him on the trip.
The elementary students later celebrated with Blue Ribbon ice cream treat, as well as taking photos with the school banners.
Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.