Thursday, October 1, 2026
W.T. Clarke Middle School was named a National Blue Ribbon School last week.
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools across the nation for either their exceptional performance or significant progress in “help[ing] close gaps in achievement, especially among disadvantaged and minority students.”
“America’s long-term economic prosperity and civic engagement depends on our children receiving a world-class education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “National Blue Ribbon Schools are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers.
Their success is an example for others to follow.”
According to Principal Stacy Breslin, Clarke was nominated by a top education official in New York state. The lengthy application process started in November 2010 and was submitted in February. Breslin was communicating with Blue Ribbon officials throughout 2011, she said.
“They are honored for consistently trying to open the doors for their middle school and giving them great opportunities for learning,” the director of the Blue Ribbon Schools program, Aba Kumi, said of Clarke.
Breslin emphasized that the award was a team effort. “It’s not about one person,” she said. “The teachers and parents are so involved. It was a collaborative effort.”
The award was also based on Clarke students achievements on the English and math state tests. A top-performing school must “place in the top 15 percent of schools in its state as measured by the state assessments in both English Language Arts and mathematics …,” said Blue Ribbon Schools spokeswoman Jane Briggs.
“We were able to create an environment attentive to social, emotional and academic needs of the adolescents,” Breslin said, “and that allows them to thrive in the classroom.” Clarke students are walking proud right now, she added.
“We are very proud that Clarke Middle School has been chosen as a 2011 Blue Ribbon School by the Department of Education,” said Superintendent Louis DeAngelo. “The entire learning community at Clarke Middle School, under the direction of Principal Stacy Breslin, clearly exemplifies the tenets of the Blue Ribbon Program, and it is gratifying for me, as the superintendent, to have their efforts and accomplishments recognized by the Education Department’s National Blue Ribbon Program.”
Breslin and sixth-grade math teacher Carol Glueckert will represent Clarke at ceremonies on Nov. 14-15 in Washington, D.C., where they will be presented a plaque and a Blue Ribbon School flag. “Not only is Glueckert a very fine teacher and team contributor,” said Breslin, “she also went to Clarke and is someone who is truly invested.”
While she is honored that the school received the award and said it will be a motivator, Breslin insisted that it will not halt the school’s progressive efforts. “You just keep trying to improve,” she said. “I don’t think you’re ever standing still.”
A total of 256 public schools and 49 private schools were named Blue Ribbon Schools this year. Clarke was one of 33 middle schools in the nation to receive the honor.
Each state can nominate a certain number of schools based on the state’s school population. This year New York was eligible to nominate 19 schools.
“This is not my award,” said Breslin. “It’s for the community.” According to Blue Ribbon Schools Program, the award can be a selling point for local real estate agents, and honored schools often find it easier to acquire financial assistance and recruit volunteers.
“A Blue Ribbon School flag overhead has become a mark of excellence,” the U.S. Department of Education acknowledges, “a symbol of quality recognized by everyone from parents to policy-makers in thousands of communities.”
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