St. Vincent de Paul School in Peoria has been recognized as a 2010 National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education.

It is believed to be the first time since the awards began in 1982 that a Catholic school of the Diocese of Peoria has achieved this recognition.

Nationwide, 254 public and 50 private schools are recipients of the 2010 honor, according to a Sept. 9 announcement from U.S. Secretary of Education Anne Duncan. St. Vincent’s is one of only 19 schools in Illinois to be so designated, including four private schools.

The award honors elementary, middle, and high schools based on one of two criteria: their students achieve at very high levels or the school has shown significant progress in achievement especially among disadvantaged and minority students.

In congratulating all involved with St. Vincent de Paul School, Brother William Dygert, CSC, diocesan superintendent of schools, called the national recognition “a great honor” and “an external validation of excellence.”

Msgr. Jason Gray, pastor of St. Vincent de Parish, announced the news at Masses last weekend. The assembly responded with applause.

“It’s a moment for the parish to celebrate,” he said.

Representatives of the parish and school will attend an awards ceremony Nov. 15-16 in Washington, D.C., and a local ceremony is also being planned.

Msgr. Gray credited the “hard work” of many for the recognition — faculty, staff, education commission, parents, and the parish at large for its support — but specifically congratulated present principal Dr. James Minick and former principal Mike Birdoes, who “laid so much of the ground work” before accepting a new position this fall as principal of Blessed Sacrament School in Morton.

“Mr. Birdoes was able to bring together the best talents of the school and St. Vincent community to promote excellence at all levels,” said Minick, noting that his predecessor was named the Diocese of Peoria’s “Principal of the Year” this summer.

Minick noted St. Vincent’s has consistently achieved in the top ten percent of the nation on nationally-normed achievement tests. In addition to a Christ-centered curriculum, the school also offers Spanish to all students in second through eighth grades, technology classes to all grades, and boasts Peoria’s first National Wildlife School Habitat.

“This award is a wonderful reminder of what can be achieved when parents, students, teachers, clergy, and parish members all work in concert for the students of this community,” said Minick.