The sudden elimination of the Blue Ribbon Schools program by the U.S. Department of Education didn’t stop students and staff at St. John the Evangelist Catholic school Thursday from celebrating the award they already earned.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon pulled the plug on the popular program in August, even as results from this year’s nominations were already compiled, school and Diocese of Gary officials said.
“Even with the Blue Ribbon federal program being discontinued, it doesn’t take away from the work by the entire community to meet such extraordinarily high standards,” said Principal Katie Fredericksen.
“We are honored to be included in the last cohort of schools receiving this prestigious award.”
It’s not known if any other Northwest Indiana schools would have received the honor. The newly established Indiana Blue Ribbon Schools awards will be announced next week, according to an email from the Indiana Department of Education.
During his campaign, President Donald Trump promised to eliminate the Department of Education, but so far has scaled back its funding and programs through McMahon.
Trump said education policies and programs are better handled by the states.
Established in 1982 when Republican Ronald Reagan was president, the program recognized high-performing schools and schools that narrowed academic gaps between student groups.
That recognition ignited a flurry of celebrations across the country as students and teachers proudly marked the recognition.
Erika Giegerich, who’s taught kindergarten for 18 years, said the school has high expectations.
“We always are pushing our kids academically. God comes first, but they learn to always excel and to do their best.”
Colleen Brewer, superintendent of schools in the Gary diocese, said the Council on American Private Education processes the private school applications for the Blue Ribbon program and released its list.
“So we still know we were chosen,” she said.
Brewer said the Indiana Department of Education told schools it would continue a state version of the program, but that announcement hasn’t been made yet. Officials didn’t return an email for comment.
Fredericksen, who’s been principal for five years, said it marked the first time St. John has ever won the award.
“You just don’t get it,” she told students about the award. “It comes from hard work. We’ll be celebrating all year.”
Fredericksen and Assistant Principal Jen Emerson said the school has a sense of family and its targeted instruction meets the needs of each student.
“Each student is a child of God and we are going to help them where they’re at,” said Fredericksen.
She said the school houses about 470 students in Pre-K up to eighth grade.
The state’s expanded private school voucher program and a growing population in St. John Township have brought enrollment beyond capacity, Fredericksen said.
They’ve already transformed two locker rooms and a storage room into classrooms.
“We’re reimagining underused space,” she said.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
