District 64 is elated to announce Lincoln Middle School has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2021 by U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona. The recognition is based on Lincoln’s overall progress as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School and is one of just 325 schools nationally to earn this distinct recognition.
“This year’s cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish,” said Secretary Cardona. “I commend this school and all our Blue Ribbon honorees for working to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. In the face of unprecedented circumstances, you found creative ways to engage, care for, protect, and teach our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have so much to offer and can serve as a model for other schools and communities so that we can truly build back better.”
Lincoln Principal Dr. David Szwed noted Lincoln’s long-established roots in the Park Ridge community in applying for the recognition. “We are a school community with a strong sense of pride and tradition, and one with many of our students’ parents being alumni of the school. We are committed to the development of each individual student and take pride in the opportunities we provide for our students” stated Szwed.
The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. Now in its 39th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools.
"This is such an incredible honor for the entire Lincoln Middle School community,” Szwed said, “Not only do we celebrate the achievement of our amazing students with this recognition, but also the Lincoln staff, district administration, and parent community who partner to create a supportive learning environment that keeps students at its focus."
“We’re very proud of the students, staff, and families of Lincoln Middle School on their achievement of this prestigious award,” District 64 Superintendent Dr. Eric Olson said, “It’s due to the hard work of everyone, along with an amazing school philosophy of putting students first, that has paved the road to earning this recognition.”
Lincoln is the first District 64 school to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School since Washington Elementary School earned the recognition in 2018.
For more information about the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, please visit their website.