Three public schools in Hawaii made the U.S. Department of Education's 2021 list of National Blue Ribbon schools.
"Congratulations to Ma'ema'e Elementary, Manoa Elementary and Wheeler Middle School for being named 2021 Blue Ribbon Schools," Gov. David Ige (D) said in a Sept. 21 post on Facebook. "The recognition is based on the school's overall academic performance and progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Way to go!"
A total of 325 schools nationally made the list, according to KITV4 Island News.
"The prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools award recognizes and celebrates the quality and excellence of our public schools in Hawaii,” Interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi said, according to KITV4 Island News. “These types of accomplishments reflect the dedication and commitment of an entire school community. This is a proud moment for the students, teachers, staff and families of Ma'ema'e Elementary, Manoa Elementary and Wheeler Middle schools, and I congratulate them on this well-deserved achievement.”
U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona noted that the winners' achievements came during the continuing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"In the face of unprecedented circumstances, you found creative ways to engage, care for, protect and teach our children," he said, according to the U.S. Department of Education. "Blue Ribbon Schools have so much to offer and can serve as a model for other schools and communities, so that we can truly build back better."