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HILTON CELEBRATES ITS DESIGNATION AS A NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL

(September 30, 2009) - Hilton Elementary School had a serious case of the blues Wednesday morning. And, it was cause for joy.

The school celebrated its designation as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education with the help of families, neighbors, dignitaries, and a sea of maroon: Heritage High School's marching band, dance team, and flag line.

Principal Mary Jo Anastasio, bedecked in blue, thanked the Hilton teachers, students, and parents. "I love that you come to school happy and confident, and that you feel safe," she told the school's students, who sat in chairs in front of the school.

Newport News Mayor Joe Frank acknowledged students from St. Andrew's Episcopal School watching the ceremony from across the street and added his congratulations. "Champions get blue ribbons," Frank said. "Your school got a blue ribbon, and that's because all of you are champions. This is a big deal for you. I'm here to say thank you for coming to school each day and working hard."

School Superintendent Ashby Kilgore said that greatness in public schools is the result of a partnership among staff, students, and families. "You continue to be the best," she said.

School Board Chairman Teddy Hicks added, "We are so proud of your accomplishments."

School Board Members Betty Dixon, Rick Donaldson, and Mike Wagner also attended the ceremony, as did Del. Glenn Oder, Del. Phil Hamilton and NNPS administrators.

The dignitaries used oversized scissors to cut a blue ribbon that stretched across the school['s entrance. That was the signal for which Hilton's teachers, who wore "There's No Place Like Hilton" T-shirts, were waiting. They instructed their students to break out commemorative bottles of soap bubbles, and the air was filled with bobbing, iridescent globes.

During the festivities, River Road and Main Street were closed to vehicular traffic, except for a couple of city police officers on Segways. Some pre-schoolers from Hilton Presbyterian Church played in the yard of their school and a couple of neighborhood dogs watched the show put on by the Heritage Storm with interest. Many of the younger students tried to copy the moves of the dance team.

Hilton is the 11th NNPS school to win the Blue-Ribbon designation. Hines Middle School and Menchville High School have won the honor twice. The other winners: Dunbar-Erwin Middle School (now home to An Achievable Dream Academy), Huntington Middle, Dutrow Elementary, Denbigh High, Gildersleeve Middle, McIntosh Elementary, Greenwood Elementary, and Sanford Elementary.

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