Daily Herald opinion: Stepping up for schools: Governor’s Blue Ribbon program boosts education by celebrating excellence and inspiring progress

When the federal government ended its National Blue Ribbon Schools program earlier this year, Illinois didn’t hesitate to fill the gap.

With the launch of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools initiative, the state reaffirmed its commitment to recognizing excellence in education across public, private and parochial schools.

Governor JB Pritzker put it plainly. “Illinois schools deserve to be recognized for their extraordinary work and academic achievements. This program shines a light on their dedication.”

And shine it does.

Twenty-eight schools across the state are honored in the program’s first year, including Fremd High School in Palatine — one of three high schools in the state receiving the award — whose principal Mark Langer praised the award as proof of the school’s “Culture of Excellence.”

“We are deeply proud of this honor and grateful to the State of Illinois for continuing to recognize schools of distinction,” Langer said.

Other public schools recognized include Kennedy Junior High School in Lisle; Liberty Intermediate School in Libertyville; and Sarah Adams Elementary School in Lake Zurich.

And 11 Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools and two Christian schools are among the Illinois private schools recognized with Blue Ribbons, including St. Norbert School in Northbrook, St. Anne Catholic School in Barrington, Timothy Christian School in Elmhurst, Wheaton Academy in West Chicago and Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest.

By publicly celebrating success, the program gives students, educators and communities a morale boost and a reason to keep pushing higher.

Importantly, the new initiative is inclusive. Schools from urban and rural areas of varying sizes and affiliations are recognized, showing that excellence isn’t confined to any one model or region.

That broad reach helps foster collaboration and learning among schools rather than competition.

Critics may call recognition symbolic, but such symbols matter. They energize, inspire and set benchmarks for what’s possible. By putting a spotlight on top performers, Illinois gives other schools a road map and a reason to reach for the same.

And by establishing the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools program, Illinois wisely chose not to let recognition fade away. Instead, it is embracing the opportunity to embed excellence in state identity, ensuring that every school pushing toward higher standards knows it could be honored.

That is a move worth applauding, and one that promises to strengthen Illinois’ educational fabric for years to come.