2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools
Posted on 11/28/2023
2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools2023 Pittsylvania County Blue Ribbon Schools Recognized

Pictured at the award presentation for Southside Elementary School are (l-r): Ms. Aba Kumi, Director of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program; Mrs. Shelley Mayhew, Assistant Principal; and Dr. Mark R. Jones, Division Superintendent. Pictured at the award presentation for Union Hall Elementary School are (l-r): Dr. Mark R. Jones, Division Superintendent; Ms. Aba Kumi, Director of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program; Mrs. Amy B. Emond, Principal, and Mrs. Tamela Williamson, Teacher. Congratulations to both schools on this outstanding accomplishment!

Southside Elementary School and Union Hall Elementary School were recognized at the 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Ceremony on November 16-17, 2023, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. Southside Elementary School received the Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools Award, and Union Hall Elementary School received the Exemplary High Performing Schools Award. This is the second time that Union Hall Elementary School has received this award.

Original Announcement (Updated):

[Pittsylvania County, Virginia] – Pittsylvania County Schools is thrilled to announce that Union Hall Elementary School and Southside Elementary School have been selected as two (2) of the ten (10) National Blue Ribbon Schools in the State of Virginia. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the exceptional dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence exhibited by the students, educators, staff, and families in our school community.

Southside Elementary School and Union Hall Elementary School were recognized at the 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Ceremony on November 16-17, 2023, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. Southside Elementary School received the Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools Award, and Union Hall Elementary School received the Exemplary High Performing Schools Award. This is the second time that Union Hall Elementary School has received this award.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award Program, established by the U.S. Department of Education, annually recognizes schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates.  Union Hall Elementary School is recognized as an Exemplary High Performing National Blue Ribbon School.  This is the second recognition for Union Hall Elementary School with the first recognition in 2017.   Southside Elementary School is recognized as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing National Blue Ribbon School. Dr. Mark R. Jones, Division Superintendent, is honored to share this exciting news with students, staff and the school communities. This recognition is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the unwavering dedication of our teachers, administrators, support staff, students, and families. Both schools have demonstrated their commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching practices, and a nurturing learning environment. We are immensely proud of Union Hall Elementary School and Southside Elementary School for their outstanding contributions to our educational community.

Union Hall Elementary School and Southside Elementary School were recognized at a national ceremony in Washington D.C. in November 2023, where they wered join by other distinguished National Blue Ribbon Schools from across the nation. This recognition highlights not only the academic accomplishments of the schools but also their positive impact on students' lives, the community, and the future of education in Pittsylvania County.

The recognition as National Blue Ribbon Schools affirms Pittsylvania County Schools' commitment to providing high-quality education and creating an environment where all students can thrive. The collaborative efforts of educators, parents, and community partners within our division demonstrates the untiring work and support of the academic success and personal development of our students.

Please read the official press release from the U.S. Department of Education 

For more information about the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award Program, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at  https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov