12.02.13

Hoeven Celebrates Gussner Elementary's Blue Ribbon Designation

JAMESTOWN, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today congratulated Gussner Elementary on being designated a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School Award Winner by the United States Department of Education. Hoeven commended Gussner on its achievements during a ceremony held at the school.

“The Blue Ribbon designation is our country’s highest honor for outstanding schools,” said Hoeven. “In earning this prestigious award, Gussner has distinguished itself as one of our state’s and country’s best schools, and North Dakota is proud to commend the school’s teachers, support staff, administrators, students and parents for their commitment to fostering the innovative, smart and effective teaching practices that are achieving tremendous results. Each of these individuals function as the core of the school and drive its success. The entire Jamestown community should take pride in what Gussner has accomplished.”

Gussner Elementary is one of three North Dakota schools to be named a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School Awardee. Edgeley Public School and Wyndmere Elementary School also earned this designation. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program was founded in 1982 to recognize the work of the nation’s top schools. Since the program’s founding, the blue ribbon distinction has been awarded to schools achieving impressive results through exemplary teaching practices. To date, more than 7,000 schools have received the designation, including 31 North Dakota schools.

The three North Dakota schools named 2013 Blue Ribbon Schools were formally recognized by the Department of Education at a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. in November. Hoeven met with Gussner Elementary and Edgeley Public School representatives during their visit to the nation’s capital. Photos of the meetings are attached.