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Jumpin' St. Josaphat! Catholic School Claims National Blue Ribbon Honor

By Ted Cox | September 29, 2017 12:37pm | Updated on October 2, 2017 8:11am
 St. Josaphat School is the first in Chicago to claim two National Blue Ribbons from the U.S. Department of Education.
St. Josaphat School is the first in Chicago to claim two National Blue Ribbons from the U.S. Department of Education.
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DNAinfo/Ted Cox

LINCOLN PARK — St. Josaphat was named a National Blue Ribbon School Thursday, making it the first Chicago elementary to earn the honor twice.

The Catholic school at 2245 N. Southport Ave. previously was named a National Blue Ribbon School five years ago. U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos returned the honor Thursday, citing St. Josaphat as an "exemplary high-performing school."

"We could not be more proud of this recognition on behalf of St. Josaphat School,” Principal Nel Mullens said. “The faculty and staff are most deserving of this honor. This award affirms what we know about the level of excellence in education our children receive."

The Rev. Francis Bitterma, pastor of St. Josaphat, credited the teachers, staff, parents and most of all the students, saying, "Their hard work and talent made this honor happen."

According to the U.S. Department of Education, 341 schools received the blue ribbon this year, just 25 in Illinois.

The Archdiocese of Chicago claimed six for its Catholic schools this year. St. Josaphat was joined by St. Edward in Mayfair, as well as four other suburban schools. Archdiocese schools have received more than 90 Blue Ribbon Awards in the 35 years they've been given out, more than any other school system — public or private — in the country.

The school plans a celebration open to the public at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, along with the announcement of a donation made to the Hurricane Relief Fund run by Catholic Charities.

Mullens and Assistant Principal Jen Kowieski will travel to Washington, D.C., in November to formally accept the award.