Racine Sun

Jefferson Lighthouse Elementary School in Racine earned a National Blue Ribbon award, recognizing the establishment as one of the top-performing schools in the state, according to a recent report by FOX 6.

In a statement to the news organization, Principal Jeremy Beniahek said the ribbon is given out for two reasons, the first being closing gaps.

“As we know, in education, there are achievement gaps between students, but we received the award for high academic performance,” Beniahek told FOX 6. "Give my staff, and students and their families all the credit because it takes all stakeholders to make an award like this happen." 

Jefferson was just one of only nine schools in the state to receive a National Blue Ribbon Award, which will likely be met with a parade and ceremony, according to FOX 6. Nationwide, a total of 325 schools received this honor. 

According to the Department of Education, the program recognizes schools based on academic achievement or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups, the Racine County Eye reports.

Jefferson Lighthouse identifies 10 characteristics that they work to develop in all of their students. These include: “inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective," according to the Blue Ribbon Schools website.