Oak Hills to celebrate a Blue Ribbon
By Michael Picarella
Acorn Staff Writer

Representatives of Oak Hills Elementary School attended an awards’ ceremony in Washington, D.C. late last month recognizing the school’s achievements as a Blue Ribbon achiever with a special emphasis award in technology. A celebration at school tomorrow will honor students and teachers for their hard work. The celebration is to begin at 9 a.m. at the campus flagpole, and according to Principal Tony Knight, a flag commending Oak Hills for its Blue Ribbon status will be hoisted and a certificate and plaque will be displayed.

Every year, the U.S. Department of Education sponsors the national Blue Ribbon school program. For 18 years, it’s recognized elementary and secondary schools in alternating years for scholastic achievement and merit.

This year marks the second time Oak Hills has received the prestigious award; the other was in 1993. This is the first, however, won for technology.

Instructional technology gets major emphasis, according to Knight, at Oak Hills. Teachers provide technology-based lessons that actively engage children, parents are better connected to their children’s school thanks to the Internet, and students are proficient in using computers and other equipment to enhance learning outside the classroom.

"I am delighted to congratulate the principals, teachers, parents and all other representatives," said U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige, "of the Blue Ribbon schools (honored this year). Often excellence is difficult to achieve, and often it doesn’t get the notice it deserves. That’s why it is so important that we take the time to identify and appreciate how our schools are helping students."

First Lady Laura Bush spoke to the Blue Ribbon recipients in Washington, D.C. and praised representatives of the 264 public and private elementary schools across the country for their accomplishments.

Twelve schools in the U.S. were honored with technology awards and Oak Hills was one of them.

"We felt very honored to be part of that group because it was very exclusive and very small," Knight said.

"The ceremony was Webcast and all of our children and people at school got to see it (via computers in the classroom)," Knight said. "We thought that was appropriate for a school receiving a technology award."

Oak Hills received a framed certificate for its accomplishments in technology, and a plaque and a flag for the national Blue Ribbon award. As part of the celebration tomorrow, the new flag will replace the one earned in 1993. School staff asks that everyone wear Oak Hills attire or red, white and blue for the event.

"Brad Sherman’s office is going to send his field officer to come and give us a new American flag," Knight said. Sherman is the local congressman.

Oak Hills won’t be eligible for another Blue Ribbon for at least five years.