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Hamilton Elementary named one of 16 Blue Ribbon Schools in the State of Michigan

Press Release provided by the Michigan Department of Education
Oct. 30, 2025

LANSING – Hamilton Elementary is one of 16 high-performing Michigan schools that are being recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).

“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible work happening every single day in our classrooms,” said Dr. Brad Lusk, superintendent of Hamilton Community Schools. “Our staff is deeply dedicated to each and every student — identifying their individual needs, meeting them where they are, and helping them grow and succeed. It’s a tremendous honor for Hamilton Elementary and a proud moment for our entire district.”

The State Board of Education will hold a special ceremony at its Nov. 13 meeting to honor the Michigan public schools that the department nominated as Blue Ribbon Schools.

“Students and parents, school staff, and local communities deserve to be honored for the outstanding achievement by our Blue Ribbon Schools,” said Interim State Superintendent Dr. Sue C. Carnell. “These schools serve as an example to others and, at the same time, are representative of the accomplishments and progress at schools around the state.”

MDE nominated the schools for being Exemplary High-Performing Schools, which are among the state’s highest-performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed.

In previous years, the U.S. Department of Education bestowed the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools designation in recognition of schools that excelled in academic performance or made significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups. However, this year the federal education department discontinued the national program after the nominations had been submitted.

“MDE and the State Board of Education want to make sure these outstanding schools in our state get the recognition they deserve,” said board President Dr. Pamela Pugh. “These Michigan schools are worthy of national attention, so it is very disappointing that Blue Ribbon Schools no longer will be honored by the U.S. Department of Education. State board members are looking forward to learning more about the successes of these schools.”

Recognition of the outstanding schools is scheduled for 9:40 a.m. during the State Board of Education meeting at the John A. Hannah Building in Lansing. The Nov. 13 meeting also will be livestreamed with a link that will be posted on the homepage of Michigan.gov/MDE on that date.