Governor Quinn Congratulates Northbrook's 2013 Blue Ribbon Schools

Governor Pat Quinn congratulated Illinois' 21 nat ionally recognized 2013 Blue Ribbon Schools during a visit to a Chicago elementary school. Northbrook's Wescott, Greenbriar and St. Norbert schools were among this year's recipients.

“This award is a top honor for our high performing schools and is a direct reflection of our hard-working teachers and principals," Quinn said, according to a press release. "We are proud of every Blue Ribbon School across Illinois.”

Every year the United States Department of Education selects public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students’ academic achievement. This year, 12 public and nine private Illinois schools were chosen for the educational honor.

“The students and staff at these schools work hard to show high performance and improvement and should be proud of this honor,” State Superintendent of Education Christopher A. Koch said in a press release. “They are among a select few that have been singled out for the award and their communities should be proud of what they are achieving.”

Editor's note: An earlier version of the story did not include St. Norbert.