Four Kansas elementary schools were named 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools, U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona announced Monday, Sept. 23. 

The schools are part of 356 schools across the country that are part of this year’s National Blue Ribbon cohort. The following Kansas schools were recognized in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category: 
 

• Sunflower Elementary School, Paola USD 368 
• Garfield Elementary School, Augusta USD 402 
• Lincoln Elementary School, Geary County USD 475 
• Herington Elementary School, Herington USD 487 

 
This is the first time Sunflower Elementary and a Paola USD 368 school has received the blue ribbon recognition.  Superintendent Mathew Meek said they are extremely excited and honored to receive this recognition. 

“This is the result of many years of hard work by our Sunflower staff and students. We were an early adopter getting all our elementary staff trained in the Science of Reading and have seen great success as a result,” he said. “I believe this recognition confirms what our community already knows. Paola USD 368 has great kids, dedicated teachers and support staff, and a district that is committed to our vision of ‘Ensuring Success for All Students.’" 

Principal Staci Wokutch said the school’s commitment to helping students realize and work toward their fullest potential is at the heart of everything they do at Sunflower Elementary. 

“We are humbled and honored to be recognized as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School,” she said. “It is a reflection of the dedication, hard work and passion that our staff and students bring to school every single day.” 

This is the first time Lincoln Elementary School has been given blue ribbon status and joins several of Geary County USD 475’s elementary schools that have earned this distinction when Custer Hill Elementary was the first in the district to be designated a National Blue Ribbon School in 2002. 

“Being named a National Blue Ribbon School is a tremendous honor,” said Daniel Dinkel, Lincoln Elementary principal. “This recognition stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, staff and families. It highlights our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and to creating an environment where every student can thrive.”  

Herington Elementary earned the blue ribbon distinction once before in 2007.  

“USD 487 and the community of Herington are proud of the recognition that Herington Elementary School received this week when they were named a National Blue Ribbon School,” said Superintendent Donalyn Biehler. “Dr. Nicholas Morgan, our staff, and students work hard every day to make Herington Elementary a great place to learn and work. It's wonderful to see that effort celebrated at the National level! Way to go Railers!" 

Garfield Elementary also was a blue ribbon school in 2006. 

“As a community, we are incredibly proud that Garfield Elementary has, again, been selected as a National Blue Ribbon School. This prestigious recognition highlights the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of our students, staff, and families,” said USD 402 Superintendent Matt Ward. “It’s a testament to the longtime commitment to excellence held at Garfield Elementary. As a community, we are honored by this recognition, and we are so excited for the Garfield family! Go Grizzlies!” 

Principal Trever Lockamy said they are proud to be one of the few to represent the state of Kansas this year. 

“Being nominated as a National Blue Ribbon School is such an honor and a great recognition of all of the hard work our students, staff and families put in to make Garfield Elementary a great place to learn,” he said. 

The Blue Ribbon Schools program recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools in one of two performance categories: 
 

• Exemplary High Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. 
• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body. 

 
Educators in National Blue Ribbon schools employ effective teaching methods with data-driven instruction, participate in robust professional development and collaborate with their students’ families and community in a concerted effort to ensure every student reaches their potential. 

In Kansas, 149 (141 public and eight private schools) have been designated National Blue Ribbon Schools since the program’s inception in 1983. 

Go to https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/ for more information.