SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) applauds Taylorville Jr. High School for earning “Blue Ribbon” recognition from the federal Department of Education.

“It is such an honor to represent a portion of the best teachers, students and staff in the country,” said Turner. “Most teachers do not receive the admiration and respect that they deserve, so this national honor is huge. I am very proud of our students and proudly celebrate all of their hard work. ”

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

This year, 18 Illinois schools were named ‘Blue Ribbon Schools' by US Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona and the federal Department of Education. Of those 18 schools, Taylorville Jr. High School was recognized for being among the state's highest performing.

The National Blue Ribbon School awards have been given out since 1982. Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year.