Blue Ribbon Honors: Northbrook's Wescott, Westmoor Recognized

NORTHBROOK, IL — In education, one of the most coveted awards a school can receive in this country is a National Blue Ribbon. Two Northbrook schools were named recipients Friday of the award that "affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content."

Wescott and Westmoor elementary schools were two of just 297 honorees of the prestigious designation in the entire nation. The program, which has been around for 40 years, has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools, according to its website.

Wescott School Earns Second National Blue Ribbon Award

For Wescott, it marks the second time the Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 school has earned the award, with the last coming in 2013. It's also the third award for the district as Maple School won last year. Wescott is a kindergarten through fifth grade school located at 1820 Western Ave., Northbrook

Wescott Principal Dr. Chris Brown partnered with his staff to complete the "rigorous" application process for 2022, according to a news release.

"The faculty and staff of Wescott School are immensely proud to receive the National Blue Ribbon School award from the United States Department of Education," Brown said in a statement. "This award recognizes sustained academic excellence over the past four years. With all that our school and community have been through together over this time, we are grateful for this recognition. We look forward to celebrating with everyone over the next few months."

Westmoor School Becomes 3rd District 28 Winner Ever

Westmoor School joins two other District 28 schools in receiving the National Blue Ribbon School award. Greenbriar School received the award in 2013 and Northbrook Junior High received the award in 1992, according to a news release.

A special celebration at the school is being planned for Monday, Nov. 7.

“It is the close collaboration among staff members, and in turn collaboration of our staff members with Westmoor families, that leads to educating the whole child – even in the midst of a pandemic,” Principal Mary Sturgill said in a statement.

Westmoor School is a kindergarten through fifth grade school located at 2500 Cherry Lane, Northbrook.

"I applaud all the honorees for the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award for creating vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school communities where students can learn, grow, reach their potential, and achieve their dreams," U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said Friday.

Administration from both schools plan to travel to Washington, D.C. Nov. 3-4 to accept the award for their respective schools.