Ventana Ranch Elementary Celebrates Blue Ribbon Status
Students, staff honored for creating a top-performing school.
There was no mistaking the parade-like atmosphere at Ventana Ranch Elementary on Tuesday afternoon as staff and students celebrated their remarkable achievement.
A festive arch decorated with blue and gold balloons served as the backdrop as gleeful students sat on artificial turf taking in lively music and watching the Volcano Vista High School cheerleading team perform and do gravity-defying stunts. Parents and grandparents sat off to the side in lawn chairs.
Principal Paula Garcia and many of the school’s teachers and staff—many of them clad in blue outfits for the occasion—stood proudly, savoring the feeling of being honored by the U.S. Department of Education as an Exemplary High Performing School. Ventana Ranch Elementary earned the Blue Ribbon School designation, one of just three schools in New Mexico and 356 nationwide receiving the honor this year.
Superintendent Gabriella Blakey praised school leaders, staff, and the entire school community for their commitment to students and the hard work that led to the prestigious award.
“Make sure to thank the principal, your teachers, and your parents,” she told students.
Garcia was thrilled with the celebration, saying it’s great to show students what comes from hard work. She took every opportunity to brag about her hard-working teachers.
“This award is like a big shiny medal given to schools,” she said. “But it’s not just about reading, math or science. It’s about working together!”
Turning to students, she said, “You make this place special. You make this place shine.”
Garcia said that while she’s excited about the award, the most important thing is for the school to keep working toward its next goal.
“Every day is a chance to grow,” she said.