WASHINGTON, DC — Rep. Pete Aguilar today congratulated Grapeland Elementary School and John L. Golden Elementary School in Rancho Cucamonga and Richardson PREP HI Middle School in San Bernardino for receiving National Blue Ribbon recognition. The National Blue Ribbon Award recognizes the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in striving for and accomplishing exemplary achievement.

“The National Blue Ribbon Awards given out in our community are a testament to the hard work and dedication of Inland Empire students and teachers,” said Rep. Aguilar. “All three of these schools demonstrated academic excellence and have gone above and beyond to create an environment where students can learn and reach their full potential. I applaud all the students, staff and teachers for their efforts and look forward to seeing their students thrive.”

“I am so proud to serve and be part of Richardson’s legacy of success for students, staff, and the school as a whole,” said Richardson Principal Jenny Vetere. “Our Tiger teachers and staff work so hard each and every day to support and grow our students. Of course, I recognize the support and vision of our Board of Education, the support of SBCUSD administration, the Richardson leaders who came before me, and our amazing students and their families have all played integral parts in our continued success and excellence”

“Grapeland Elementary is honored to be 1 of 297 schools being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School!  By being student centered and team driven, Grapeland Elementary has created a dynamic learning environment in which staff and families work together to support students both academically and socio-emotionally.  This honor is a true testament to the hard work, dedication, and love for our school that our staff, students, and families demonstrate each and every day,” said Grapeland Principal Nicholas Zajicek.

“The Blue Ribbon Recognition is truly an award to be accepted by the entire Golden Elementary Community.  Our great school is a reflection of the hard work of our families, our PTA, the students and the entire Golden Staff.  As the school principal I am very proud of the collective efforts of everyone that continues to make Golden a great place for students to grow and learn,” said John L. Golden Principal Jeff Sipos.

This year, the Secretary of Education recognized 297 private and public schools across the country as National Blue Ribbon Schools.

Rep. Aguilar serves as Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on House Administration and the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the US Capitol.

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