Quaker Valley School District celebrates middle school 'Blue Ribbon' recognition

Quaker Valley School District celebrated earning national recognition at the middle school earlier this month.

The U.S. Department of Education recognized the school for sixth through eighth grades and its 427 students as a National Blue Ribbon School.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program was established in 1982 to recognize public and private schools achieving superior academic results or making notable improvements in closing achievement gaps among student groups.

Quaker Valley administrators and staffers marked the occasion with an assembly and student musical performances on Oct. 10.

The high school marching band and the middle school band played under the direction of Zayan Shaded.

Superintendent Tammy Andreyko, principal Anthony Mooney and others delivered messages of celebration and hope to attendees.

Among them were state Rep. Valerie Gaydos and state Sen. Devlin Robinson, both of whom presented proclamations.

State Department of Education division chief Carrie Anderson also attended.

Students were encouraged to wear blue.

“This award reflects the hard work, dedication and collaborative spirit of our students, staff and families,” Mooney said. “We pride ourselves on making Quaker Valley Middle School a learning environment where every staff member and student can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Being named a National Blue Ribbon School is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our entire school community to excellence in education.”

Middle and high school instructional technology specialist Kieran Vora posted videos of several middle school students talking about what they like about Quaker Valley.

They are available for viewing on the middle school section of the district’s website.

The school also received Blue Ribbon recognition in 2002.