WASHINGTON, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement congratulating Taylor-Richardton Elementary School, Rugby High School, and William S. Gussner Elementary School in Jamestown on being designated by the U.S. Department of Education as 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools. Since 1982, the Blue Ribbon School Award has honored public and private schools across the country that display overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps.

“Through the hard work of students, teachers and faculty, as well as the support of families and their community, these schools in Taylor, Rugby, and Jamestown have earned national recognition for their achievements. Today, we honor their designation as Blue Ribbon schools and express our gratitude for their investment in the success and well-being of their students,” said Hoeven.

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education officials in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.