Newport Harbor nabs Blue Ribbon

Danette Goulet

NEWPORT BEACH -- They already knew their school was exceptional, but now

students at Newport Harbor High School know it has been nationally

recognized as such.

Principal Bob Boies received word Monday that the campus was named a

National Blue Ribbon school -- one of five Orange County schools to get

the national recognition.

It is the highest distinction a school can receive from the federal

government, and one that takes time and dedication from the

administration, staff and parents to earn.

“I was delighted,” said Boies, who is retiring at the end of this year.

“It’s something we’ve thought about for so long. We thought we did all

the right things, but you don’t know.”

The first thing Boies did upon hearing the news, he said, was tell his

assistant principals and then run down to tell Joe Robinson. Robinson is

a teacher who, along with parent Lisa George, wrote most of the 30-page

application and gathered thousands of pages of backup material for the

state to review.

“We’re really thrilled,” George said. “It’s a good reflection of what’s

going on in our school, and it’s a lot for our teachers and students to

be proud of.”

Developed by the secretary of education in 1982, the Blue Ribbon program

was designed to identify and give recognition to outstanding schools

nationwide.

Before any school can claim a Blue Ribbon, it must first earn the honor

of being a California Distinguished School. Once a school receives that

award, it is invited to apply for the national award. Those applications

are evaluated by the state Department of Education, which determines

finalists to be forwarded for the national evaluation.

Newport Harbor is the third school in the Newport-Mesa Unified School

District to earn the national honor.

Two years ago, Corona del Mar had its day to shine; and last October,

representatives from Lincoln Elementary School went to Washington, D.C.,

to receive a Blue Ribbon flag and plaque.

More than bragging rights for the faculty and staff, the Blue Ribbon

designation is for the students. Students will have a special sticker on

their diplomas, indicating they graduated from a Blue Ribbon School.

“It’s wonderful for our students,” said Newport Harbor PTA President

Barbara Yeager. “It will mean a lot in college admissions and give them a

special recognition that sets them apart.”

In October, Newport Harbor will be honored at a ceremony in Washington on

a date yet to be set, when representatives will also receive a plaque and

flag.

Boies said although he won’t be principal at the time, he will attend the

ceremony.