Several suburban schools win Blue Ribbon honors

Whether they've come back from low test scores or have consistently done well on yearly exams, several suburban schools can tout a common achievement: They were chosen as Blue Ribbon schools this year in a national contest.

The U.S. Department of Education chose 21 Illinois schools for the award as part of 320 schools announced nationwide Tuesday.

From the northwest and western suburbs, the schools include: Lines Elementary in Barrington, Fairview Elementary in Mount Prospect, Gregory Middle School in Naperville, Ivy Hall Elementary and St. Mary School in Buffalo Grove, Kennedy Junior High in Lisle and St. James School and St. Viator High in Arlington Heights.

Don Perry, principal at Kennedy Junior High, said he's "floating on cloud nine" after winning the honor for academic excellence. The school was also chosen in the 2001-02 school year.

Perry said there are numerous factors in the school's success, including "a supportive parent base, terrific kids and outstanding teachers."

St. Mary's in Buffalo Grove was one of five private schools in Illinois to receive the award. Principal Gary Campione said parents and students alike are very excited and proud of their school.

"Our scores have consistently been in the top 10 percent in the last five years," Campione said. "It's a nice honor for all the hard work that the children put in."

The schools are chosen on two criteria: those that have at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds and that dramatically improve performance, and those that are in the top 10 percent of their state on tests. The scores are based on the adequate yearly progress as outlined in No Child Left Behind.

An awards ceremony will be held Oct. 20 and 21 in Washington, D.C.

• Daily Herald Staff Writer Robert Smith contributed to this report.