THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, October 8, 1994 TAG: 9410080284
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
President Clinton, surrounded by applauding teachers, paid tribute Friday to the 276 elementary schools, including Norfolk Academy, selected as this year's ``blue ribbon'' schools of excellence and achievement.
In an impromptu appearance at ceremonies on the South Lawn of the White House, Clinton said his administration is succeeding in its effort to create ``dramatic change in the relationship of the federal government to the schools of this country.''
``We have tried to put the national government on record in favor of globally competitive standards and then getting out of the way and letting you achieve those standards of excellence in education,'' the president said. ``This is a substantial departure.''
When that approach takes hold, Clinton asserted, ``every school in America can be a blue ribbon school. That ought to be the objective in this country.''
The gathering honored the 220 public and 56 private elementary schools selected for the 1993-1994 school year.
Norfolk Academy's lower school was one of only three private and public elementary schools in Virginia selected for the award during 1993-1994. It also earned special recognition for excellence in science education.
The academy's upper school won the Blue Ribbon in 1984.
The 12-year-old Blue Ribbon Schools program recognizes excellence in education by honoring ``outstanding leadership, school organization, teaching, curricula, and parental involvement.'' by CNB