SenatorHeitkampofficialValley City  (CSi)  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp Tuesday joined teachers, students and community members in Valley City to celebrate the academic achievements of Washington Elementary School students and the school’s recent recognition as a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School.

Heitkamp congratulated the students and faculty at Washington Elementary for their hard work and dedication to education during the Blue Ribbon Ceremony. She also presented Washington Elementary with a statement that appeared in the official Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate honoring the school’s recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School – a national accolade given to schools based on academic excellence or significant improvements made in students’ academic achievement.

“Providing North Dakota students with quality education from preschool through college gives our next generation of leaders the tools they need to succeed, strengthens our communities, and helps our state thrive,” said Heitkamp. “Today’s ceremony and Washington Elementary’s recognition as a National Blue Ribbon school is a direct reflection of the commitment of the teachers, administrators, and entire Valley City community in making a positive impact on the lives of North Dakota’s children. Congratulations again to the hardworking students, passionate teachers and supportive parents and community members who have earned this high honor.”

Last month, Heitkamp announced Washington Elementary as a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School. On November 17, Heitkamp honored the school nationally by submitting a statement of congratulations in the official Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.

Founded in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students’ academic achievement. A National Blue Ribbon Schools flag overhead has become a mark of excellence in education recognized by everyone from parents to policymakers in thousands of communities. Since the program’s founding, the U.S. Department of Education has bestowed this coveted award on more than 7,000 of America’s schools. Washington Elementary was the only North Dakota school to receive this national honor this year.