It was announced in Washington, DC., that Carmel Catholic High School, located in Mundelein, Illinois and sponsored by the Most Pure Heart of Mary Province, has again been singled out for excellence in education by the US Department of Education. This is the 5th time Carmel has received this recognition, an achievement matched by only six other schools in the nation. This year 325 schools of which 23 are private schools (religious or privately administered schools) were recognized.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
The coveted award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. Every year the U. S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools, schools demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels.
Now in its 39th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed more than 10,000 awards to over 9,000 schools. Carmel-Mundelein has previously received the designation in 1985, 1996, 2002, 2007 and now in 2021.
US Secretary of Education Cadona said, “This year’s cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish.” He continued, “Blue Ribbon Schools have so much to offer and can serve as a model for other schools and communities so that we can truly build back better.”
In order to prepare for the evaluation required for the award, an internal school committee was formed to collect research and assist in the writing. A collective group assisted in reviewing the draft and incorporating other pertinent information. The school’s principal, Jason Huther, was the primary writer of the application. The evaluation process also includes an on-site visit by administrators from other schools.
Dr. Brad Bonham, president of Carmel, said in an interview with CITOC, "Our Carmelite charism serves as the foundation of our school mission. As the recipient of a 5th Blue Ribbon, we are reminded that we are called to continue our mission to serve our students, alumni, and community. We are grateful and humbled to receive this award, and this recognition renews our commitment to serve the Lord through education."
The school will be celebration this national award in various ways during the year including a recognition ceremony on October 7 after the Board of Directors meeting. There will also be a student celebration during lunches and some activities after school. The school placed blue balloons (color of the award materials) and decorations throughout the school, including outdoor/indoor signage to celebrate the event.
Realizing such recognition is the fruit of the contributions of many, Dr. Bonham concluded, “We are grateful for our faculty, staff, and administration who made this possible.”
The Department will formally recognize the schools at an awards ceremony in Washington, DC on November 4th and 5th, 2021. Members of the school community will participate. Traditionally this ceremony takes place at the White House in the presence of the President and Vice-President of the United States taking part.
Carmel-Mundelein is a coeducational high school co-sponsored by both the Carmelites and the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary from Dubuque, Iowa. It was founded in 1962 as a “co-institutional high school” meaning that two schools operated within one building, sharing a number of facilities and classes. In August 1988, the two schools merged and Carmel High School was founded. A Board of Corporators (members of the two sponsoring religious orders) and a Board of Directors (members of the community with representation from the two sponsoring religious orders) were established and the President/Principal model of administration established.
