Lemont Principal Shares Pride For Blue Ribbon School

LEMONT, IL — Principal Shirley Tkachuk is one proud principal after SS. Cyril and Methodius School was named a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School last month.

Tkachuk, who has been principal at the school for 14 years, said in a release, "I get goose bumps just talking about it."

"Her love for the school and the children is very apparent. She is dedicated, hardworking and loyal
to the school, the children and their families," the school said of Tkachuk.

SS. Cyril and Methodius School was named an exemplary high-performing school. Exemplary high performing schools are among their state's highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests, the Department of Education said.

"I am over the moon," Tkachuk said in a release. Tkachuk has a masters degree from St. Xavier University and previously taught as a second grade teacher.

"Her teaching experience not only gave her an insight to the operation of the school, but the patience, compassion and determination it takes for the success of a school," the school said.

In Illinois, six non-public schools were named Blue Ribbon Schools and 50 non-public schools across the country were honored. The other honorees from Illinois include:

• Saint Benedict Preparatory School, Chicago
• Saint Raymond School, Mount Prospect
• St. Athanasius School, Evanston
• Timothy Christian High School, Elmhurst
• Wheaton Academy, West Chicago