Three Dallas ISD schools net 2017 National Blue Ribbon awards

The Dallas Environmental Science Academy (DESA), along with both middle schools at Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy and Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, have been named 2017 National Blue Ribbon Schools. The announcement was made Thursday, Sept. 28, by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who recognized 342 schools across the nation.

The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Each school nominated for the 2017 honor was selected as exemplary, high-performing schools as measured by state assessments, and has an economically disadvantaged population of 22 percent or greater.

In November, the three winning Dallas ISD schools will be recognized at the Blue Ribbon Schools awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

“This incredible honor helps to validate our students’ extraordinary work, dedication and commitment to excellence and reaffirms our mission to prepare young women for leadership in a global society,” said Lisa Curry, principal at Rangel.

In 2011, Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School and DESA each received a Blue Ribbon.

“With the various accomplishments at Dallas Environmental Science Academy, this award enhances the vision for the school to continue excelling academically through its rigorous curricular offerings, field experiences in the outer environment, and support of career options spanning throughout the science fields,” said Arnoldo Zuniga, principal at DESA.

Each of the Dallas ISD campuses awarded credit the hard work of their students, teachers, staff and community for helping secure the nomination.