Story Published: Sep 17, 2009 at 9:24 PM PST
Story Updated: Sep 17, 2009 at 9:24 PM PST
The U.S. Department of Education announced this week their highest honor for public and private schools is going to Webster Elementary School in Lewiston.
"We were all pretty excited when we found out there we were a "Blue Ribbon" school," said Webster Elementary Principal Craig Lenzmeier. "The staff, students, and volunteers, we've got a great group here, so we're all just very, very excited."
It's no small accomplishment. Webster is one of 314 schools in the nation to receive the award, the 17th Idaho school in the 27 years of its existence, and the only Lewiston school to earn the honor.
A school has to qualify in a number of criteria: they must test in the top 10 percent of their state, show dramatic improvements for disadvantaged students, and meet Adequate Yearly Progress goals.
Lenzmeier said that's just part of what they do.
"We've got a group of students, parents, and staff that believe in working together and educating the whole child," said Lenzmeier. "This is an academic award, but we also feel that we spend quality time with our kids, helping create good citizens as well."
Webster has won two straight "Distinguished School" awards from the State Board of Education for academics.
Lenzmeier will fly to Washington, D.C. in November to be presented the "Blue Ribbon" award, and said he will accept it on behalf of everyone in the district.
"Webster is just one example of the quality of education that patrons in our school district can expect their child would get at any school in our district. So we're proud to be representing the Lewiston School District," said Lenzmeier.
