Naperville school receives Blue Ribbon Award

A lifelong educator, Clifford Crone beamed like a proud father Thursday as he stood before students at the Naperville school bearing his name.

Crone Middle School students and staff celebrated the school's National Blue Ribbon award bestowed upon them earlier this year by the U.S. Department of Education. Crone was one of only 314 schools across the country, and 16 in Illinois to win the award this year.

"It's such a great honor to be associated with boys and girls like you and a school like this," Crone, an 11-year superintendent of Indian Prairie Unit District 204, told students. "I couldn't be more proud of your achievements today."

Crone Middle School was honored for meeting the department's initial criteria of having students achieve in the top 10 percent of their state on standardized tests.

Principal Stan Gorbatkin said the award represents a sustained commitment to excellence and is the result of the hard work of students, parents and staff.

"I commend the staff for continued dedication and advocacy for all our students," Gorbatkin said. "This is just awesome."

Superintendent Kathy Birkett also praised the community and parents, but pinned most of the praise on the students.

"I'm here because you have achieved great things, with the help of your teachers' and parents' support," Birkett told students. "But the bottom line is that you achieved great things and continue to work hard to make this award possible."

The students also got a pep-talk from former track and field gold medalist Eddie Slowikowski, who encouraged them to emulate positive role models and keep reaching for their dreams.

This is the second year in a row that a District 204 middle school received this recognition. Gregory Middle School was recognized last year.