CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio — September 23 was a monumental day in the history of Chagrin Falls Middle School as it was named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon award-winning school. With this distinction, the school reached rarified air as only 353 schools were recognized nationally for the award — only 14 schools from Ohio received the award. Additionally, only 43 middle schools across the United States received the designation.
Last spring the U.S. Department of Education accepted the middle school’s nomination for the award which set the wheels in motion for the middle school to provide data for the distinction. Major academic achievements that factor into the recognition include academic performance data and a school’s ability to close the achievement gaps among different student groups.
Chagrin Falls Middle School Principal Laila Discenza believes that her school is a “special place where we strive to build instructional connections.” Discenza added, “Our high achievement roots in the foundation of belonging, value, and collaboration in order for students to be most likely to succeed,” stated Discenza.
After being honored with the Blue Ribbon Award, the middle school entrance was decorated in blue, and blue cookies were distributed to students and staff. This past Friday (September 27), middle school students along with 9th and 10th grade students formed a bell at Harris Stadium for a photo marking the occasion.
On November 7-8, all Blue Ribbon Award Winners will be honored in Washington D.C. for a national awards ceremony when the middle school will receive their Blue Ribbon Flag. After the school receives the flag, there will be a flag-raising ceremony at the school — along with week-long school activities chosen by students to celebrate the Blue Ribbon Award.
The Chagrin Falls Middle School also won the Blue Ribbon Award in 2010.
