BEVERLY – Ohio Department of Education and Workforce officials have announced that Beverly-Center Elementary School is among 14 schools in Ohio selected for the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School Award, recognizing academic excellence and student achievement.

Superintendent Stephanie Starcher said in a release the designation is a major milestone for the district.

“The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce officially released the names of the 14 schools in Ohio that received the prestigious annual National Blue Ribbon School Award. Beverly-Center Elementary School has been selected. This is a huge accomplishment,” Starcher said. “We are very happy for you and proud of you.”

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, historically administered by the U.S. Department of Education, honors schools based on overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps. Schools must complete a detailed application and review process before being selected.

Principal Megan Miller said the process to earn the recognition was extensive.

“So 14 schools in Ohio were chosen to apply. So there was this, like, really lengthy process … you had to complete … letters from teachers, community members, and you had to reference all the things that you’ve done,” Miller said. “And so we submitted the application … and then they were supposed to have a national ceremony in Washington, D.C.”

However, district officials said recent federal changes eliminated the traditional national recognition event.

“When the federal government made cuts to the education department, it cut out the national recognition for this award in Washington, D.C.,” Starcher said in the release.

Despite the change, educators said the recognition reflects years of collaboration and a strong school culture.

“I think, first and foremost, because we have a fantastic leader … she supports us with every decision,” Cathy Borich, a second grade teacher said. “And the other part is we all work together as a team. It’s not just one teacher … we reach all students.”

Staff members pointed to early education and instructional practices as key factors in student success.

“We put a lot in the foundational years, that K through three … you just build a strong foundation,” Michelle McIntyre, a fourth grade math and science teacher said.

Attendance and engagement were also cited as critical to maintaining strong outcomes.

“We really hit chronic absenteeism hard … the state average is in the upper 20s, and we had 6% last year,” Miller said. “I think a big part of that too is kids want to be here.”

Educators emphasized that success is driven by the entire school community.

“It’s a team effort from every person in the building,” Miller said. “Success is you’re happy, you’re healthy, you want to be at school.”

Miller also emphasized community partnerships also contribute to the school’s success, with local organizations providing resources and support for students and families.

“We have a really strong community … they come in and say, ‘What is it that you guys need?'” a staff member said.

For staff, the national recognition validates what they already knew about the school.

“You knew it was special, and now it’s recognizing that the rest of the world sees it,” Borich said.