Great Neck’s Lakeville Elementary School and Syosset’s South Grove Elementary School were named a National Blue Ribbon School, a designation granted by the U.S. Department of Education for academic achievements and closing educational gaps.
“Being named a National Blue Ribbon School is an honor, and one that affirms the hard work of Lakeville’s students, teachers and families,” Lakeville principal Emily Zucal said in a statement. “Lakeville’s trajectory of high performance is attributable to students’ investment in their own learning, talented teachers and staff who are committed to meeting the needs of each and every learner, and cooperative and supportive families who are eager to partner with educators to help students meet with success. Lakeville is also fortunate to have and to benefit from the expertise of district-level personnel and a supportive Board of Education who contribute to the success of our school community.”
The two elementary schools are the only ones awarded the designation on Long Island.
South Grove Elementary principal Mi Jung An said that the school achieved this success by focusing on each and every student’s needs.
“We didn’t work for the blue ribbon,” An said.
Teachers and staff work with students to help them grow on an individual basis, An said, providing each student with what is right for them. She said that the staff believes that each student’s passion deserves to be recognized.
“[We] help cultivate that and let it blossom,” An said.
The district has enrichment specialists that help bring everything together. An said these specialists build on students’ education to promote further enrichment and support.
Education is the foundation of student success, but this enrichment is “all the extra,” An said.
A total of 423 schools were honored nationwide. Included were 21 schools from New York, with 16 of them hailing from New York City’s boroughs.
Lakeville Elementary School was previously awarded the designation in 2009, making this their second national award.
“This designation is a tremendous honor for Lakeville Elementary School and our district,” Superintendent Kenneth R. Bossert said. “Our community takes great pride in our commitment to educational excellence, and I applaud Lakeville’s students, families, faculty, and administrators for their outstanding efforts to cultivate a supportive environment that encourages collaboration, learning, and discovery.”
School district officials are invited to attend a two-day award ceremony in Washington, D.C. in November.
Syosset’s South Grove Elementary School celebrated its recognition at an assembly on Monday, inviting all students, faculty and staff.
An said that the Blue Ribbon recognition is “a real boost” to school pride.
At the school’s assembly announcement on Monday, An said students were enthusiastic about the award, and the school looks forward to celebrating at a larger ceremony with family and faculty in the future.
The Great Neck School District said it is also planning to host a ceremony for the broader school community.
