St. Bernadette School celebrates Blue Ribbon status

Last month, St. Bernadette Parish School in Westlake was selected as a 2023 Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. This prestigious honor is a recognition of the school’s outstanding academic achievements and a testament to the hard work and dedication of every member of the school community. 

Students were given the good news during an impromptu all-school assembly. As one teacher shared, “They were all screaming, ‘we are the winners’ as if they won the Super Bowl.” While a parent quipped that her young son proudly told her: “Guess what? We are a Blue Ribbon school which means we are the best school in America!”

Although the younger students have an exaggerated understanding of the award, their level of enthusiasm is not unwarranted. Earning the prestige of being a Blue Ribbon School is not an easy task. This recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps. A school that meets the specified criteria is invited to apply: a process that involves a lot of data gathering, writing and collaboration on a strict deadline. 

In celebrating the event, principal Maureen Goodwin shared with the community, “We understand that we thrive together: Our exceptional teachers, both past and present, have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence that sets our school apart. Together, we have proven that with a shared vision and a passion for education, there are no limits to what we can achieve.”