Texas Border Business
PHARR – Kelly-Pharr Elementary was recognized among close to 400 schools nationwide as a National Blue Ribbon School during the US Department of Education’s two-day virtual ceremony held Nov. 12-13, 2020.
U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education Frank Brogan congratulated the schools today.
“This has been a unique and challenging year, yet out of nearly 140,000 schools in the country, you are 367 standout examples of tireless dedication to students, families, and your communities,” said Brogran.
PSJA Superintendent Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo congratulates the team from Kelly-Pharr for this achievement.
“Congratulations again, thank you for setting the example and joining this elite group of schools throughout the nation,” said Dr. Arredondo.
During the event, US Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos also provided tribute to the many educators who helped their school reach this milestone despite the pandemic.
“Many of you show what’s possible when you’re forced to pivot and navigate uncharted circumstances to keep learning going for all your students. After all, at the end of the day, when the lights are off and the doors are locked, that’s all it is, it’s a building—it is the people, your work, your care, your love who make it truly special,” said DeVos.
Since the program’s inception, PSJA ISD has had five other schools receive these honors. In the 1987-88 school year Raul Longoria Elementary was awarded the Blue Ribbon School designation. In the 1998-99 school year, Napper Elementary received this honor and in 2009 James Bowie Elementary, now McKeever Elementary was awarded. Most recently in 2018, Cesar Chavez Elementary and Carmen Anaya Elementary were awarded the prestigious designation.
