Four Nebraska schools receive National Blue Ribbon distinction

The U.S. Department of Education announced this year's National Blue Ribbon Schools on Monday, with four from Nebraska making the list.

Elkhorn Grandview Middle, Wilma Upchurch Elementary in Millard, West Point Elementary and Southern Valley Elementary received the honor this year for their academic achievements. More than 350 institutions across the U.S. were recognized.

Schools had to be nominated for the honor, and then submitted an application.

“The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a press release. “As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.” 

Southern Valley Schools Superintendent Bryce Jorgenson said the staff was pleased to be nominated and named a National Blue Ribbon school.

“We knew our scores were good, but I didn’t know that they were that good,” he said.

Jorgenson said the teachers and students watched the announcement live on Monday.

“We had it all set up with a celebration, and shot some confetti cannons and stuff, fun, when they announced our name and that kind of thing,” Jorgenson said. “Then, the kids did some fun activities after that to kind of celebrate.”

Students played games outside and got cookies. According to Jorgenson, this is likely a once-in-a-career experience. He attributed the school’s success to the community’s efforts.

“(I'm) just really proud of the hard work of all the parents in our community, even the school board, making some important decisions to help us get this far,” he said. “We have awesome parents and teachers that I'm proud of them for doing all this work, and the kids themselves putting in the work to do well on test scores.”