As Chairman of the Board of Governors, Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, took great pride Monday in sharing the news that Saint Viator High School had earned its third National Blue Ribbon Award. Principal Jon Baffico and President Ryan Aiello announced the news before school to the faculty and staff.
Fr. Mark Francis processes into an all-school Mass.
Specifically, Saint Viator has been recognized as an exemplary, high performing school.
“This award is a symbol of excellence that highlights all of the dedication and hard work of all our faculty and staff members here at Saint Viator,” Principal Baffico said. “The Blue Ribbon Award represents a standard of distinction that few schools achieve, and you should be proud to be a third-time award winner, having previously received this honor in 2008 and 2014.
“I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Your unwavering dedication, passion and enthusiasm have been pivotal in making this esteemed recognition possible,” he added. “This award is not an overnight success story; it is the result of years of collaborative effort — from our students, staff and families learning and growing together every single day.”
Fr. Francis, himself a 1971 alumnus of the school, wishes to add his congratulations to the administration and faculty, and thank them for their service to the school.
Students in the Engineering Club
“This is our flagship school,” he told the board of trustees last week “and Viatorians have been committed to its success for more than 60 years.”
Saint Viator was among 18 schools across Illinois — and 356 schools across the country — to be among 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools. Notably, it was the only Catholic high school in the state to receive the national recognition, and by earning its third Blue Ribbon Award, Saint Viator is tied for third in terms of recognition in Illinois among public and private schools.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said this prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
Caroline Schermerhorn tries out a robot.
“The National Blue Ribbon School Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said Secretary Cardona said. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
Principal Baffico and President Aiello will travel to Washington D. C. to attend the National Blue Ribbon School awards ceremony, which takes place Nov. 7 and 8. The two-day gathering will allow them to network with other administrators from high achieving schools, share best practices and all before receiving the formal award and flag to display back at Saint Viator.