On Monday, September 23, Xavier received its fourth Blue Ribbon School award, making Xavier the only school in Arizona to win this prestigious award four times.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools (NBRS) recognizes schools nationwide that excel in academic achievement. According to NBRS, “The National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards.”
This year 420 schools were nominated, but only 356 schools were recognized. Advancement staff member Lisa Zuba, Sister Joan Fitzgerald and English teacher Clay Zuba were tasked with completing the application for this year.
Lisa Zuba recalls that on the application Xavier’s dual-enrollment program, Computer Science Honors Society (which is the largest chapter in the country) and AP programs made Xavier stand out.
Additionally, Lisa Zuba stated that even though this award is for academic excellence, it is Xavier’s holistic style of education that made the school rise above the rest.
“We do a really good job here of educating the whole person and not just focusing on a single skill,” said principal Brittany Ecker. Xavier has renowned sports and arts programs, which supplement the whole person, and in Ecker’s opinion this is what makes Xavier’s test scores so excellent.
Ecker remarked that hard-working students were the key. “It is the students who are winning us the Blue Ribbon.”
Looking forward, Ecker stated though that there is always room for improvement. Xavier is always looking for ways to grow, and even though it just received this award, it is already aiming toward a fifth blue ribbon.
