Students, faculty and local dignitaries to hold prayer service and celebration

Mary, Mother of The Redeemer Parish School will hold a prayer service and reception to celebrate the school's recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. The school is one of only 300 in the nation to receive this designation.

The Blue Ribbon Program, established by the U.S. Department of Education, identifies and celebrates the best school leadership and the best teaching practices. It also sets a standard of excellence for all schools striving for the highest level of achievement. Each year since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has sought out schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals. Mary, Mother of The Redeemer Principal Denise Judge and Vice Principal Susan Tarrant represented the school at a national awards ceremony held on November 15 in Washington D.C.

During the prayer service and celebration on Friday, various members of the community will speak including: Mary Rochford, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese Philadelphia, Pennsylvania State Representative Kate Harper and Pennsylvania State Senator, Stewart Greenleaf. Senator Greenleaf will also present a proclamation to the school.