Photo Caption: Mike Lootens, right, principal of Epiphany Catholic School in Normal, accepts a plaque designating Epiphany as a 2011 National Blue Ribbon School from Tim Tuten of the U.S. Department of Education.

By: By Tom Dermody

NORMAL — Being named to the top 1 percent of the top 1 percent of schools in the United States is too much to celebrate in one hour, one day, or even one year.

“As your pastor, I declare the Friday before Thanksgiving to be, now and hereafter, ‘Blue Ribbon Celebration Day,'” said Msgr. Eric Powell, pastor of Epiphany Parish in Normal, at a joyous assembly on Nov. 18 marking Epiphany Catholic School’s recognition as a 2011 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

Earlier in the week, three representatives of the school had accepted a plaque from Secretary of Education Arne Duncan during two days of ceremonies in Washington, D.C.

Epiphany Catholic School was one of 304 schools nationwide to be designated as a Blue Ribbon School — based on academic excellence — this year, and one of just 49 private schools. Recipients were announced in early September.

Last Friday, the school, parish, and diocese celebrated the achievement during a program in the Epiphany junior high gym attended by students and faculty as well as government and diocesan dignitaries. A reception followed in the parish hall.

“Your bishop is endlessly proud of all of you,” said Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, at the conclusion of the program that included musical presentations by an Epiphany chorus and the Central Catholic High School Jazz Band.
Among others offering remarks were Mike Lootens, principal; Tim Tuten, representing the U.S. Department of Education; State Rep. Dan Brady (R-88th); and Lisa Simpsen, a junior high teacher who attended the ceremonies in Washington along with Lootens and Julie Lohr, a second grade teacher. Epiphany cheerleaders even created an original cheer to mark the occasion.

Lootens accepted the award on behalf of all “who put in the hard work necessary to make this possible” — including past and present faculty and staff, students, parents, parishioners, Msgr. Powell and the education commission, and former principal Richard Morehouse.

“As an educational community we cannot and will not rest on these laurels,” said Lootens, “but we will together strive to maintain the standards of this award and look forward to the future when we can gather again to celebrate.”

AMONG “GREATEST SCHOOLS IN U.S.”
Tuten outlined the rigorous process for selecting Blue Ribbon Award recipients, noting “we truly feel these are the greatest schools in the U.S. and that’s what Epiphany Catholic School is.”

He also acknowledged that this is the second consecutive year a school from the Diocese of Peoria has earned the rare recogntion. St. Vincent de Paul School in Peoria was named a 2010 National Blue Ribbon School.

“You’ve really put your diocese, your school system on the map,” Tuten told Bishop Jenky and diocesan school officials present including Brother William Dygert, CSC, superintendent.

Simpsen, who headed the leadership task force, said it was an honor to be among those representing Epiphany at the Washington ceremonies, calling the enthusiasm generated by the national group “contagious.”

But she, like other speakers, had an eye to the future.

“With this Blue Ribbon designation comes responsibility in the years to come,” said Simpsen, “a responsibility to not only maintain the high standards that we have already held, but to work to continue to improve the education and opportunities that are presented to our students. We need to be available as a role model or mentor when other schools inquire about our success.”

Msgr. Powell, who has been known to teach the students Latin phrases, had a new, longer one for this day: “Via virtutis semper via ardua est, nec victores in laurea nituntur,” or “Attaining excellence requires constant effort, and champions never rest on their laurels.”

The program opened with the viewing of a new promotional video on Epiphany Catholic School. The six-minute video can be viewed online at Epiphany Catholic School.