Local

Mahoning County elementary schools celebrate National Blue Ribbon recognition

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters

September 24, 2023 4:00 AM

Two local elementary schools received national recognition as Blue Ribbon Award winners: Western Reserve Elementary School in Berlin Center and Robinwood Lane Elementary School in Boardman.

These Mahoning County elementary schools were among the 353 winners chosen in 2023.

How were the schools chosen for the award?

The selection process is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps.

“This is a rare and distinct honor we have earned together through teamwork, talent and dedication,” said Robinwood Lane principal Billie Jo Johnson. “We are very proud of our staff, our students and their families for all we’ve accomplished. It’s incredible to me that now all three of our Boardman Elementary Schools have been recognized and honored for this distinguished award and it really shows how well we collaborate as a district and as a Spartan team.”

The Education Secretary and the Department of Education plan to celebrate the school honorees at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., Nov. 16 - 17.

They invited Principal Johnson, another Robinwood representative, and Superintendent Saxton to Washington to accept the award for Robinwood Lane.

Both schools will be represented in D.C. and receive a National Blue Ribbon School flag to fly proudly in their entryway or on a flagpole.