It’s the one time of year that the color blue is cheered for among the green and white of Lake Orion, and this time, it’s Oakview Middle School that’s doing the cheering.
Oakview was one of five schools around the state awarded with a Michigan Blue Ribbon by the State Board of Education.
‘The Blue Ribbon program’s selection committee chose these schools as meeting some very tough criteria in delivering quality education to their students,? said State Board of Education President Kathleen Straus.
‘All these schools, their teachers, students, parents and communities should be very proud of their accomplishments.?
‘Michigan Blue Ribbon schools are models of both excellence and equity,? she added. ‘To be recognized, a school must demonstrate a strong commitment to education excellence for all students.?
Elizabeth Bauer, of the state board, presented Oakview with their Blue Ribbon in a ceremony last week.
‘It’s really great to be back in Lake Orion,? she said. ‘It’s such a prize-winning district.?
Oakview joins seven other Lake Orion schools that have been honored with the Blue Ribbon in past years.
The Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School Program was established in 1982 and recognizes schools demonstrating a strong commitment to educational excellence and significant academic improvement over five years.
Since Oakview is a newer school, this was the first time it was eligible for the award, making the award even sweeter.
‘Oakview is truly a special place for students,? Principal Alice Seppenan said.
Bauer agreed, telling the students that they are Blue Ribbon ‘Exemplary.?
‘That means you set the example for all other middle schools,? she added.
Lake Orion Schools Superintendent Christine Lehman congratulated the staff, students and parents of Oakview, noting that it takes a team effort to receive such an important honor.
‘Its truly an honor for Oakview to win this award,? she said. ‘Thank you, all of you, for your hard work, dedication and commitment to the students of Lake Orion.?