Photograph: Grand Prairie Elementary School – St. Landry Parish, LA.
September 16, 2022
OPELOUSAS, LA – Today, United States Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, recognized 297
schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2022. We are pleased to announce that Grand Prairie
Elementary is one of those schools receiving this award.
How does a school receive such an honor? According to the United States Department of Education
(USDOE), the recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing
achievement gaps among student subgroups, especially minority or disadvantaged students. Schools
nominated for the National Blue Ribbon Award submit applications to the USDOE, where those
applications are reviewed to determine which schools will be selected.
“I applaud all the honorees for the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award for creating vibrant,
welcoming, and affirming school communities where students can learn, grow, reach their potential, and
achieve their dreams,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “As our country continues to
recover from the pandemic, we know that our future will only be as strong as the education we provide to
all of our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have gone above and beyond to keep students healthy and safe
while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. These schools show what is
possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students’ lives.”
School officials will represent Grand Prairie Elementary at a two-day awards ceremony in Washington,
D.C., where they will hear from Secretary Cardona and other esteemed educators, share best practices, and
celebrate their prestigious achievements.
Mrs. Renee Suire, principal at Grand Prairie Elementary, says “The school culture at Grand Prairie
Elementary supports an environment of high student and staff expectations, strong parental and community
involvement, and an attitude of pride and positivity. We work hard to continue this culture each year and to
“Focusing on Reconnecting, Rebuilding, and Relationships”
ST. LANDRY PARISH SCHOOL BOARD incorporate practices and programs that will further our school’s success. It is such an honor to be recognized for our hard work and dedication to all students!” Superintendent Jenkins and the St Landry School Board are proud of this rural school in the northwest end
of the parish and commend them for their extraordinary performance in the face of tremendous adversity
due to the pandemic.
“I want to congratulate Grand Prairie Elementary school for earning this distinguished honor, proving again
the students of St Landry Parish are as smart and capable as any in America. The outstanding efforts of the
students, faculty, and administration at Grand Prairie Elementary School demonstrate the high academic
achievement that can be accomplished with hard work, determination, and a shared desire to succeed,” said Superintendent Jenkins.
For more information about the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, please visit https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/.
