By Joe Farlo
Staff Writer
Pennekamp Elementary school was named a National Blue Ribbon Award winner for 2021 by the U.S. Department of Education.
The Blue Ribbon Award is given annually to public schools. 325 schools received the honor this year, with only 28 from California. Pennekamp was the only school in MBUSD given the award in 2021.
“This year’s cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming and affirming school cultures,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
The U.S. Board of Education chooses schools each year based on the academic performance of the students in standardized Math and English assessments. This year, Pennekamp received the award because it closed achievement gaps in these tests, earning it the designation of “Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing” school. Pennekamp will officially receive the award during a ceremony on Nov. 4. in Washington, D.C. Winners of the award will receive the accolade.
“This is a true testament to the outstanding programming and education that is offered to our students and represents a huge accomplishment for our district,” said Jen Fenton, MBUSD Social Emotional Wellness co-chair.
MBUSD, a district with over 6,000 students, was ranked by Niche as the 29th best overall public school district in California. MBUSD schools have been awarded California Gold ribbons, California and National Green ribbons, and other awards in previous years.
“I commend [Pennekamp] and all our Blue Ribbon honorees for working to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs,” said Cardona in a statement.
Although the award was specifically awarded for Pennekamp’s performance in 2021, former Pennekamp Principal Dr. Karina Gerger had completed the application process a year prior. Current Principal Sharon Witzansky was able to accept the award this year along with Gerger, who is now principal of Mira Costa High School.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School,” said Witzansky in a statement. “Our teachers, support, staff, students, parents, and community help to …create an environment that fosters amazing amounts of student achievement.”
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