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DuPont Manual named 2020 National Blue Ribbon School

Award recognizes overall academic excellence, progress in closing achievement gaps

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — DuPont Manual High School has been named a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School, the U. S. Department of Education announced last week. The distinction recognizes Manual’s overall academic excellence and progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

“I want to congratulate the students, staff and families of Manual for this prestigious achievement,” said Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio. “This award is evidence of the hard work and commitment to education happening throughout the Manual community, helping to ensure that all students learn at high levels, even in these unprecedented times.”

Manual Principal Darryl Farmer called the accolade a “total school recognition.”

“I am so pleased that we are being recognized for the wonderful things that go on at Manual High School,” he added. “But we already knew that was going on here – now the whole nation gets to get a glimpse at what’s going on at 120 West Lee Street.”

Farmer said Manual’s administrative team began the involved application process in March, just as schools were being shuttered due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and completed the packet while also implementing Non-Traditional Instruction for the first time in the district’s history. The award reflects the dedication that the entire Manual staff puts into educating and engaging students every day, he said.

“You don’t go into this field looking for awards and that sort of notoriety; you go into this field to help students,” Farmer said. “Right now, every teacher is working extremely hard in this virtual world to give students an experience worthy of a Blue Ribbon School. This really is where dreams come true for our students, where they can reach their potential.”

The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. More than 9,000 schools across the country have been presented with the award since the program’s founding in 1982.