East honored

East Elementary School was honored Tuesday as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2014, one of only 337 nationally to receive such an honor and one of only nine in the state of Indiana.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan made the announcement at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, honoring schools based upon their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
“Today’s an exciting day at East Elementary,” said principal Andy Schemenaur. “It’s just a thrill.”
Over the past 32 years, the National Blue Ribbon School Program has honored nearly 7,900 of America’s schools.
“These great schools are fulfilling the promise of American education — that all students, no matter their name or zip code, can flourish,” Duncan said in remarks that were streamed live via the Internet. “National Blue Ribbon Schools are models of consistent excellence and a resource for other schools and districts. We celebrate them for their tireless effort and boundless creativity in reaching and teaching every student.”
Fifty of those honored were private schools, while 287 were public.
Schemenaur credited the honor to teachers, students, staff and parents.
“It’s great to be recognized like that. A lot of folks are working hard here,” he said. “I think it’s great for the community and it’s something we can all build on here.”
Other Indiana schools honored include Cedarville Elementary in Fort Wayne, Frank Hammond Elementary in Munster, Hamilton Southeastern Junior High in Fishers, Jackson Township Elementary in Brazil, Merle Sidener Gifted Academy in Indianapolis, St. Patrick School in Chesterton, Signature School in Evansville and Sprunica Elementary in Ninevah.