Blue Ribbon Status Celebrated At Vernon's Northeast School

VERNON, CT — This week has been a week to commemorate Vernon's Northeast school for achieving U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon status. Local, state and federal officials were in a congratulatory mood.

On Thursday, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, a senior member of the House Education and Labor Committee, visited Northeast School. Courtney met with Assistant Superintendent of Schools Robert Testa and Northeast School Principal Brenda Greene to present an American flag and a special certificate in honor of the achievement. The flag flew over the U.S. Capitol.

Northeast was one of only 367 Blue Ribbon schools for 2020.

The U.S. Department of Education announced the 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools designees on Sept. 27. The award "affirms" the work of students, educators, families and communities in creating "safe schools where students master challenging content."

Each school was designated based on its overall academic excellence or for progress in "closing achievement gaps among student subgroups."

The Department is formally recognizing all of the 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools during a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday and Friday.

Courtney said being at Northeast School brought him back to a time when his son, Bobby, who's now 30, was a student there. Courtney even bumped into a familiar staff member Ellen Burke and exchanged pleasantries with her before visiting two classrooms.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney and Northeast School staffer Ellen Burke. (Chris Dehnel/Patch)

Connecticut Deputy Education Commissioner Desi Nesmith visited Northeast School Tuesday to celebrate the Blue Ribbon designation.

"I want you to know how proud we at the state Department of Education are of all of your hard work," Nesmith told students gathered outside the school. "Congratulations and thank you for working so hard."

The Blue Ribbon banner at Northeast School (Chris Dehnel/Patch)

On Monday, Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne honored the students and staff at Northeast School. Champagne read a proclamation and told students that he and "the entire town of Vernon" are proud of them.

"What you have achieved in being named a National Blue Ribbon School is very special," Mayor Champagne said. "Congratulations to all of you, to your principal, to the staff and your parents for coming together and working so hard to distinguish yourselves as one of the top schools in the nation."

Northeast School was one four schools in Connecticut in addition to being and one of
367 in the nation to achieve the National Blue Ribbon designation this year.

"The entire Northeast School family should be very proud of their many accomplishments and unwavering dedication to a world class education for all," the proclamation stated.

Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Macary said the honor, "validates the hard work of dedicated teachers and staff and cooperation by parents and the community."

He added, “This type of continuous and diligent collaboration helps our
students thrive.”