Mascoutah Middle School Earns Blue Ribbon Recognition Just as 43 Year Old Federal Program is Ended

MASCOUTAH — Mascoutah Middle School was selected as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education; Just before federal officials announced that the long-running program would be discontinued.

The U.S. Department of Education announced in late August that it would end the Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which began in 1982. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said the decision was part of an effort to reduce federal oversight in education and allow states to determine their own measures of recognition.

In a memo reported by Chalkbeat, Department of Education spokesperson Madi Biedermann wrote, “State leaders are best positioned to recognize excellence in local schools based on educational achievements that align with their communities’ priorities for academic accomplishment and improvement.”

The decision surprised many education officials, as states had already nominated schools for the award and in some cases had informed them of their selection.

Mascoutah Middle School had just been recognized in the category of Exemplary High Performing Schools, placing it among the top performing schools in Illinois and across the country, before the decision to end the program was announced.

Although the program was ended by the Department of Education just short of actually sending out the awards themselves, each school had been made aware of the winners beforehand. Mascoutah Middle School Principal Travis Klein said the award reflects the effort of students, staff and the community.

“We are proud to share that Mascoutah Middle School was informed, just prior to its abrupt end, that we were going to be recognized as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education,” Klein said. “This achievement is the result of our amazing students, dedicated teachers and staff, and the support of our families and community. At MMS, we believe in challenging students academically while also nurturing their social and emotional growth. This award is proof that hard work pays off.”

The district also celebrated the recognition publicly on Facebook.

“We are proud to share that Mascoutah Middle School was informed, just prior to the program’s abrupt end, that we are recognized as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education,” the district’s post read. “Thank you to our MMS Families, Mascoutah 19 Community, and especially our MMS Students who make us proud every day.”

Superintendent Dr. David Deets called the honor a significant achievement while expressing disappointment with the federal decision.

“What a wonderful honor this is to the teachers, staff, administration, Board of Education, and entire school community,” Deets said. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of so many, both past and present, and is yet another example of why this district is special. Although I am disappointed by the decision of the U.S. Department of Education to end the Blue Ribbon program so abruptly and without at least finishing this cycle of recognition, it does not take away from how proud I am of Mascoutah Middle School and their wonderful accomplishment.”

Deets also noted that Mascoutah has now had two schools recognized in consecutive years. “Having two schools recognized in back-to-back years is definitely an amazing accomplishment for MSD19 and a huge credit to the district as a whole. It exemplifies the good things that can take place when school, home, and community all work so closely together.”

Mascoutah Middle School is one of the last schools in the country to receive the distinction, and local officials say the recognition remains meaningful.

“This award is proof that hard work pays off,” Klein said.