St. Aloysius Named National Blue Ribbon School for the Second Time

St. Aloysius School celebrated an historical achievement on Sept. 23 as it announced it has won the National Blue Ribbon Award of excellence for a second time. The school won the award for the first time in 2015. 

As students and faculty settled down for an early morning assembly, the school’s cheerleaders chanted:: “What about, what about, what about our color shout? Red, white, red, white, a blue, blue, blue, blue, blue. A blue, blue, blue, blue, blue!”

As the final set of blues were cheered, the curtains of the gymnasium stage opened to reveal a blue balloon arch and banner announcing that the school was a 2024 winner of the blue ribbon. Jubilant chaos ensued.

“Welcome to our celebration!” said SAS principal Erin Candilora. “Each year, the U.S. Department of Education designates 50 private schools across the nation as National Blue Ribbon Schools. For the 2024, St. Aloysius School has been named a national Blue Ribbon School. Students, that means that you scored in the top 15 percent of the nation in both reading and math. That is an incredible accomplishment. Students and faculty, you work so hard to do your best every day and this is a result of your efforts.”

St. Aloysius is the only K-8 school in the Diocese of Baton Rouge to receive the national award twice. 

The school-wide announcement was made in conjunction with an announcement made by U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona.

“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” Dr. Cardona said. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as role models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities.” 

The U.S. Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon Schools Program requires schools to meet either of two assessment criteria. It recognizes “Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools,” and it recognizes “Exemplary High Performing Schools,” schools that score in the top 15 percent on state and national assessments.  St. Aloysius School is being recognized as an “Exemplary High Performing School.”

St. Aloysius Church Pastor Father Michael Alello expressed how proud he was of the school’s impressive achievements.

 “St. Aloysius School was founded in 1956 and has a rich history based on its former pastors, the Daughters of Jesus, faculty, staff, and students, who created the vision of the school today. Those who came before us are a major factor in setting high expectations, which brought us to this accomplishment,” said Father Alello.

Bishop Michael G. Duca expressed how proud he is off the efforts of St. Aloysius and all the schools in the diocese.

“I am proud of all my Catholic school in my Diocese but it is a special joy when one is honored for their excellence,” said Bishop Duca. “St. Aloysius School is certainly a result of an inspired and mission-centered staff who teach with a love of their students and their vocation. I can feel the enthusiasm for learning not only in the staff but also in the students. Congratulations, St. Aloysius School.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Pattie Davis also extended her congratulations. 

“In addition to being the ‘students’ award, it is also the ‘teachers’ award for always striving for excellence in all you do and being innovative in the classroom,” said Davis. “Teachers, you are not only nationally recognized, but you are world-class in our eyes. Thank you for being models of lifelong learners for our students and this award proves how hard you work for our students, and this award proves how hard you work.”

St. Aloysius School and the other 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools will be honored at a recognition ceremony on November 7–8 in Washington, D.C.  

Top Right Photo: Pictured, from left, are Father Michael Alello, pastor of St. Aloysius School; Erin Candilora, principal, St. Aloysius School; Dr. Pattie Davis, Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Baton Rouge; and Bishop Michael G. Duca, Bishop of Baton Rouge. Photo by Nicole Jones, digital media manager, Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge