Three local schools receive Blue Ribbon award

Victoria, Mariners and Mariners Christian elementary schools have been named 2007 No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon schools, Newport-Mesa school district and education officials announced Tuesday.

Tori Hatada, the U.S. Department of Education deputy secretary’s regional representative, visited Victoria Elementary Tuesday morning to congratulate the school on its significant improvement in recent years.

The school’s principal, Judy Laakso, did not know Victoria Elementary was being named a Blue Ribbon school until Hatada announced it.

“We are beyond excited,” Laakso said. “I think it’s a wonderful validation for our hardworking students, community parents, hardworking staff and an incredible school district. We’re going to continue to do what we’re doing.”

Victoria and Mariners are two of 287 public and private K-12 schools around the country receiving the Blue Ribbon award this year.

The No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools that maintain a high level of academic achievement or show dramatic gains in student achievement to high levels.

Schools with at least 40% of their students from a disadvantaged background that show dramatic improvements and schools, regardless of background, that perform in the top 10% of their state tests were honored.

Mariners Christian School in Costa Mesa ranked in the top 10% of the nation for standardized tests for private schools.

Only 413 schools nationwide were nominated for the award.

JOSEPH SERNA may be reached at (714) 966-4619 or at [email protected].