High School honored with a Blue Ribbon

Lynbrook Senior High School is one of 297 schools nationwide, and 20 throughout the state, recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School.

The award, presented each year by the U.S. Department of Education, recognizes the high school for the overall academic performance of its students.

“Our recognition as a Blue Ribbon School is a representation of the collective effort of all members of the Lynbrook community,” Lynbrook High Principal Matthew Sarosy said. “I am so proud of the great work we do at Lynbrook High School. Our faculty and staff work hard to provide an exceptional educational environment for our students and, in turn, our students work hard to produce exceptional results. The support of our families is also critical to our success.”

The high school was nominated by the State Education Department in the “exemplary high-performing schools” category. Administrators followed up by submitting a comprehensive application with details about school practices.

Each school selected falls into one of two performance categories. They are either classified as “exemplary high-performing schools,” which is based on the performance of students as measured by state assessments or national tests, or they are classified as “exemplary achievement gap-closing schools,” based on their ability to close gaps between select student groups and all students.

“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,” U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools around the country. The award helps validate the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities striving for—and attaining—this exemplary achievement. Up to 420 schools may be nominated in a given school year.

“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,” Cardona continued. “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.”

Schools receiving this award serve as models of effective practices for state and district educators and others nationwide.

“The main thing is just all of the hard work that went into it,” Sean Murray, a trustee on the Board of Education said, “from all of the teachers and staff who helped build and maintain student performance required to earn the Blue Ribbon status while also trying to teach to all the students during the pandemic. It speaks to the resilience and preparation of our high school.”

Each of the National Blue Ribbon Schools is presented with a flag, which serves a symbol of excellence and the quality of education provided, that is recognized by parents, policymakers, and communities all across the country.

“We look forward to hanging our Blue Ribbon flag proudly above the high school very soon,” Sarosy added.

In recognition of this proud achievement, district officials will represent Lynbrook High School at a two-day award ceremony in Washington D.C. this November.

“This designation is a tremendous honor and was achieved thanks to the hard work of our students, staff, and administrators,” District Superintendent Melissa Burak said. “Our entire community should be proud and celebrated for this outstanding accomplishment.”

Following the announcement, the district released a YouTube video made in a show of support for the many students, faculty, and staff, who contributed to this major academic achievement.

In the video, Burak, who has been at the helm of the Lynbrook Union Free School District for more than a decade, expressed feelings of great pride and joy for the hard work and dedication of students and staff, who she said, helped contribute to the district’s overall academic success, culminating with the achievement at the high school.

“LHS forces a sense of community that supports the diverse needs of our student population and that is very much valued and appreciated,” Burak said in the video. “Congratulations to all on this prestigious recognition. Well deserved. Go Owls.”

Susan Saban, director of Social Services echoed this sentiment, stating that the Blue Ribbon achievement was the result of all the hard work, dedication, and commitment from the entire school community.

“I’ve had the opportunity to be part of a team of school leaders, faculty, parents, and students that work together to ensure the success and inclusion of all students,” Saban said in the video. “Lynbrook is a truly unique community, where, with parents as our partners in education, all students live up to their highest potential.”

In addition to the nationally recognized distinction, school administrators and members of the Board of Education recently congratulated West End Elementary School ENL and reading teacher Jennifer Glatzer, at their Sept. 14 meeting, for receiving the Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award this year.

This prestigious award, presented to teachers throughout the state, similarly recognizes outstanding teachers and educational leaders who exemplify the profession by striving to obtain the state standards of success for all of their students.