Community and state leaders alike traveled to Rugby to celebrate the school’s Blue Ribbon award. From left to right, Rugby High School Superintendent Michael McNeff; N.D. Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler; Principal Jared Blikre; Rep. Jon Nelson; Rep. Robin Weisz; Rugby School Board President Dustin Hager; and staff member for Sen. Kevin Cramer, Katherine Gladitsch.

Rugby High School has earned the most prestigious national school honor from the U.S. Department of Education, the Blue Ribbon Award. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes national public and non-public elementary, middle and high schools based on overall academic success.

On Tuesday, students and community members gathered in Charlie Hanneman Gymnasium at Rugby High School to celebrate the award, which was presented by Kirsten Baesler, state superintendent of Public Instruction. Student body president Haley Mayer served as emcee for the ceremony.

Superintendent Michael McNeff explained to the audience what the Blue Ribbon award is and the importance of this achievement.

“This award justifies a great celebration of how we care for and support each other. We focus on making our students feel valued and connected from grades kindergarten through grade 12. It’s about making sure every one of you knows you’re an essential part of this community and the school family,” he said.

McNeff went on to thank the faculty for their dedication, saying, “And, of course, our incredible teachers and staff that help you become who you’re going to be – your divine efforts to create a nurturing, inclusive and academically thriving environment whilst continuing to work together to support each other and take pride in our district.”

RHS Principal Jared Blikre commended students for their hard work. He said this award was a testament to show how dedicated the faculty is to supporting each student and fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence.

“To receive a Blue Ribbon award is a tremendous honor but it also signifies a responsibility for maintaining or surpassing the standards of excellence we’ve set here in Rugby,” Blikre said.

Dustin Hager, president of the Rugby School Board, also addressed students and staff to say, “On behalf of myself and the entire Board of Education, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to the entire school. This prestigious award is a testament to the dedication, passion and unwavering commitment to excellence exhibited by our teachers, students and staff. Your collective efforts have not only elevated the academic standards but have created an environment where curiosity drives and dreams take plant.”

State Rep. Jon Nelson of Rugby attributed RHS’s success to the school’s excellent leadership. Nelson mentioned a few of the momentous honors Rugby’s school has earned this year, including McNeff being named North Dakota’s Superintendent of the Year and the selection of Ely Elementary teacher Andee Mattson as a finalist for North Dakota’s Teacher of the Year.

He spoke about the importance of each piece of the school system coming together to form a successful environment – the school board, the teachers, the parents of students and the students themselves.

Staff member for Sen. Kevin Cramer, Katherine Gladitsch, attended and read a letter of congratulations on Cramer’s behalf.

“For Rugby High School to be recognized as one of the top schools in the nation is attributed to all of you. To all teachers, administrators and staff, thank you for the investment you are making in the lives of students by making sure they are receiving the best education possible. Each student’s success is reflective of your commitment to providing a challenging and rewarding curriculum while developing a positive and encouraging learning environment,” Cramer wrote.

Baesler stressed the impressiveness of this award, saying that out of the thousands of schools across the United States, RHS is among the top in the nation. She praised RHS leadership for always striving to find new strategies for students to succeed and for their commitment to raising the standards of excellence.

“Our students here are getting what they need to become well-rounded North Dakota citizens. Rugby has demonstrated time and time again its unshakable commitment to encouraging strong families and celebrate learning in a setting for everyone,” Baesler said.