Capito, Manchin Announce Three West Virginia Schools Selected as 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today congratulated three West Virginia schools who have been recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, as 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools. Crescent Elementary School in Beckley, Criss Elementary School in Parkersburg, and Rock Branch Elementary School in Nitro were selected for this prestigious recognition. National Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized for their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing the achievement gaps among students.

“Congratulations to the students, faculty, and staff at Crescent Elementary, Criss Elementary, and Rock Branch Elementary schools on this incredible honor,” Senator Capito said. “Ensuring West Virginia’s students have access to a quality education is so important to our state’s future, and these schools went above and beyond to create an environment for students to learn and thrive. I’m so proud of the hard work and dedication of everyone at the three Blue Ribbon schools recognized this year, and know they will continue to be exemplary models for student excellence and achievement for years to come.”

“The National Blue Ribbon Schools recognition is an incredible honor, and I am thrilled three West Virginia schools are being recognized for their academic excellence and their tireless work to provide all students with a great education, regardless of their background,” Senator Manchin said. “Congratulations to Crescent Elementary, Criss Elementary and Rock Branch Elementary schools and thank you to all the teachers and faculty who have worked to create exemplary learning environments for our West Virginia students.”

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program was created in 1982 and recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing the achievement gaps among student subgroups. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. The 2021 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools will be recognized at an awards ceremony on November 4 and 5 in Washington, D.C., and each school will be presented with an award plaque and flag. The National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing an entry or flying overhead is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.

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