For Immediate Release
Contact: Maria Zone
Director of Communications
Archdiocese of Hartford
(860) 541-6491 ext. 127
mzone@aohct.org

Blue Ribbon Award means more than academic excellence to St. Gabriel School

HARTFORD, Conn. (November 22, 2011) – Being recognized as a Blue Ribbon school by the U.S. Department of Education is a tremendous achievement, and St. Gabriel School is very honored to have received this designation. But the school community realizes that the award would not have been possible without the faith, determination, and prayer that go hand-in-hand with the academic instruction that students receive.

To be considered for the national Blue Ribbon distinction, students in grades three through seven must score in the 85th percentile on national standardized tests in their respective schools. St. Gabriel students exceeded this requirement with average scores in the 90th percentile. Duringthe school’s Blue Ribbon ceremony in Windsor on November 21, Principal Patricia Martin said that tests are only part of their success story. She thanked the pastor, teachers and parents for their commitment and involvement in students’ lives, emphasizing that the honor was a true community effort.

Archbishop Mansell, who attended the ceremony, told the students, “You are the heroes and heroines of the day…in many cases you scored two grades higher than other students who took these tests, that is phenomenal.” He cited a Harvard study that showed that Catholic schools do well because they act as families.

During the ceremony, Superintendant Dale R. Hoyt said that the Department of Education recognized 304 schools from across the nation, including 49 private schools. Of the 49 private schools, 46 were Catholic schools. St. Gabriel was among this elite group, and also had the distinction of being the only school in New England to receive the honor. Hoyt urged parents to bridge the gap between faith and knowledge, and to set a good example for their children by taking an active role in parish life. He asked Senator Richard Blumenthal and State Representative David Baram, present at the festivities, to support the funding of Catholic school education. Addressing the students, Superintendant Hoyt stated, “Learn, play, love and pray -- that is what education at St. Gabriel School is all about,” and concluded by urging them to strive to maintain this high level of achievement. Then, he elicited cheers from the students by declaring a homework-free evening.