Avon, Ind. – Avon High School (AHS) has earned the distinction of being named a National Blue Ribbon School for 2023 by the U.S. Department of Education. This recognition is based on the school’s overall academic performance. AHS is one of 353 schools in the nation to be recognized this year and one of only eight public schools in Indiana – and the only public high school – to earn the honor. This is a rare honor for a public high school; on average, only 15% of public schools awarded are high schools.
The U.S. Department of Education revealed this year’s honorees during a 1:00 pm livestream event today. “The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to Raise the Bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The leaders, educators, and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”
“I could not be prouder of the team we have built, the students who make our school such a special place, and the work we have been doing together at AHS,” says Principal Matt Shockley. “Our staff sets and meets high expectations in creating an environment in which all students know they’re safe, welcomed, and cared for. This helps students succeed not only in the classroom, but artistically, athletically, socially, and more.”
Now in its 40th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is one of the U.S. Department of Education’s longest-running recognition programs. It shines a spotlight on the best schools in the U.S. and it validates the hard work of AHS students, educators, staff, and families by recognizing their success in striving for and attaining exemplary achievement. In the last four decades, the program has accounted for approximately 10,000 individual awards to more than 9,700 schools. This is AHS’s first award.
Avon Community School Corporation (ACSC) Superintendent Dr. Scott Wyndham was present this afternoon when the AHS staff learned the news. “It was so rewarding to be able to celebrate with Mr. Shockley and the incredible team at AHS,” he said. “I spend a lot of time in classrooms across the corporation and here at AHS, and I never cease to be impressed by the work of our educators and the achievements of our students.” Dr. Wyndham points out that this award, while presented to AHS, is reflective of the foundation that is built in ACSC’s early learning center, elementary schools, intermediate schools, and middle schools. “It is my hope that each person involved in making AHS a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School – our 1,500 teachers, staff, and administrators, Avon parents and guardians, our supportive community, and, especially, our students – will really enjoy and fully appreciate what they have achieved together.”
AHS will soon receive a National Blue Ribbon School flag, which will hang in a prominent location to serve as a reminder to all who see if of this incredible achievement and honor.
“I remind students all the time that ‘We are Avon. We are One.’ and it is true,” says Shockley. “This award is a tribute to our students, our staff, our school corporation, and our community.”
Each November, the U.S. Department of Education honors National Blue Ribbon Schools at an awards ceremony in Washington D.C., and AHS personnel plan to travel there to participate.
AHS is the second ACSC school to earn this distinction. Maple Elementary School is a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School.
