St. Margaret of York School in Loveland (Hamilton County) was among 14 other private Ohio schools selected. Newton Elementary School in Pleasant Hill (Miami County) was among public schools honored. Only two Ohio high schools — one in Summit County and one in Cuyahoga County — were named.
Incarnation Principal Cheryl Reichel said it’s the third time the school has won a national blue ribbon.
“When you win, you have to wait three years to apply again and you have to show each time that you have improved. We’re really proud of what our children, parents and an exemplary group of teachers have accomplished. This is an honor for the entire community that supports our school,” she said.
Reichel credited the facts that Incarnation has maintained enrollment, added classes in foreign languages and developed a STEM program for the latest honor.
“The last time we won, we got to meet Bill Clinton. We are hoping to meet President Obama this time,” she added.
Incarnation has 856 students in pre-K through grade eight.
Blue ribbons schools will be honored Nov. 18 and 19 in Washington D.C. Reichel said Incarnation pastor, Father Lawrence Mierenfield, and school assistant principal Susan DiGiorgio will also make the trip.
The U.S. Department of Education requests nominations from education officials in every state. Incarnation was nominated by the Council for Private American Education.
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