Three LCMS schools receive ‘Blue Ribbon’ honor

For Immediate Release

Contact: Vicki Biggs, 314-996-1236, 314-556-3829 (cell), @theLCMS

National Blue Ribbon Schools program recognizes excellence in achievement

ST. LOUIS, September 27, 2013—Three schools operated by Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregations have earned “Blue Ribbon” status, the highest honor awarded annually to individual schools by the U.S. Department of Education.

The schools are:

Messiah Lutheran School, St. Charles, Mo.

Our Redeemer Lutheran School, Wauwatosa, Wis.

St. Peter Lutheran School, Arlington Heights, Ill.

“Speaking on behalf of approximately 2,300 Lutheran schools, we all celebrate the accomplishments of the three outstanding Lutheran schools that were selected for Blue Ribbon distinction this year,” said Terry Schmidt, director, LCMS School Ministry. “These three schools represent a cross section of the pursuit of quality that is taking place throughout our Synod in Lutheran schools that are striving to excel. All glory, praise and thanks to God for His work among our students, families and teachers at these three great schools and in Lutheran schools in our country and around the world.”

The three LCMS schools are among 286 schools named earlier this week as 2013 National Blue Ribbon Schools by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. Of the total, 236 are public schools and 50 are private schools. All will be honored at a recognition ceremony Nov. 18-19 in Washington, D.C.

“Excellence in education matters and we should honor the schools that are leading the way to prepare students for success in college and careers,” said Secretary Duncan. “National Blue Ribbon schools represent examples of educational excellence, and their work reflects the belief that every child in America deserves a world-class education.”

The National Blue Ribbon Schools award honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students’ levels of achievement. Since the inception of the National Blue Ribbon Schools program 31 years ago, nearly 7,500 schools have earned the prestigious designation.

About The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is a biblical, confessional, witness-oriented Christian denomination with 2.3 million members – 600,000 households – in 6,200 congregations. Through acts of witness and mercy, the church carries out its mission worldwide to make known the love of Jesus Christ. Learn more at www.lcms.org.

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