UPDATED: McClure Principal "Thrilled" at Award

The office of the U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, has confirmed that McClure Junior High School will be receiving the prestigious 2010 National Blue Ribbon School Award.

McClure is one of 304 public and private schools (0.23%) to receive the award, out of over 130,000 eligible nationwide.) It is one of 19 Illinois schools (nine Illinois middle schools) and 84 middle schools nationwide to be so honored. 420 schools were nominated by their respective states for the award (72.4% were awarded.)

The award is "considered to be the highest award given to a school for sustained excellence in student performance and/or improvement over time," according to a District 101 press release.

Teachers at McClure celebrated on Friday with a pasta party, and received a blue-ribbon-themed floral package each. Principal Dan Chick sported a large blue ribbon on his suit all day. An additional celebration for students is in planning, and would take place closer to the presentation of the award in November.

"I'm thrilled that not only the students and staff of McClure, but also the district, as well as the community of Western Springs, is getting the recognition that I—somewhat biasedly—feel is very well deserved," Chick said. "I'm just thrilled."

Like all the 19 Illinois schools that received the Blue Ribbon, McClure was nominated for the award by the Illinois State Board of Education. The school did not lobby for the nomination, but was selected on the basis of continuing academic accomplishment.

 "It is a huge honor for the students and staff of McClure," said assistant principal Rachel Corrough. "It's a very positive thing, [but] it doesn't mean that we won't continue to work hard and keep doing what we need to be doing."

McClure will receive a large blue banner proclaiming their achievement, as well as a permanent plaque to be placed outside the school's front door. Secretary Duncan will present the award to McClure Principal Dan Chick and two district representatives at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on November 15 and 16.

"It's an external validation of some of the work that we've been doing and the performance of the kids," said D101 Superintendent Brian Barnhart.

And he gave an ambitious forecast for the future: "Since we've finally gotten over this first hurdle, the first time in the district's history to have a blue ribbon school, I think our three elementary schools are prime—prime for being nominated and prime for being awarded."