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MISSION, TX-- Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) recognized Escobar Rios Elementary School in Mission as a National Blue Ribbon School for its overall academic excellence and progress in closing achievement gaps. Escobar Rios Elementary is one of 28 schools in Texas that were recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with this award, 7 of those in the 28th Congressional District of Texas. 

Congressman Cuellar said, “It is my pleasure to recognize Escobar Rios Elementary School as a Blue Ribbon school. This distinction from the Department of Education is an honor, not only for the school, but for the community.”

He continued, “I know firsthand the transformative power of education, and the unique role educators play in impacting a student’s life. I commend the teachers, parents, and administrators for their hard work to ensure every member of the school is engaged in student success. I also congratulate all the students for their effort and dedication to their studies. I encourage you to continue pursuing education wherever you go.”

“I am very proud that our school has been named a National Blue Ribbon School,” said Blanca Lopez, Escobar/Rios Elementary principal. “Student success has always been at the forefront of what we believe here at Escobar/Rios Elementary. Hard work, commitment, and teamwork contributed to this accomplishment.”

Congressman Cuellar has consistently worked to secure funding for local education agencies like Mission Consolidated Independent School District. In the House FY20 Labor Health and Education Bill, Congressman Cuellar secured $16.9 billion for Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies, $1 billion increase from FY19. This year Mission CISD was allocated $9,224,347 of Title I funding. In addition, he secured $25 million within the School Safety National Activities program that assists local school districts that directly increase the number of mental health and child development experts.

Blue Ribbon Program

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence. The award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools. In addition, the award recognizes schools where children are challenged and engaged in the school material.

The Blue Ribbon Program, established by the second Secretary of Education, Terrel H. Bell in 1982, was created to bring public attention to the best schools in the United States.

The goal of establishing the program was to facilitate communication and encourage the sharing of best academic practices. For 35 years the Department has recognized more than 8,500 American schools as Blue Ribbon schools. This year the Secretary and the Department of Education has awarded 312 public and 50 non-public schools.

Escobar/Rios Elementary School

The Hilda C Escobar/Alicia C Rios Elementary is named after two sisters who played an essential role in developing this Mission Consolidated Independent School District. These two sisters showed commitment to education, the community, and the quality of the school. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten to 5^th grade. Keeping student success at the core of their efforts, Escobar/Rios Elementary is a top performing campus, earning an Exemplary Performance score in 2018. Escobar/Rios develops students to their fullest potential academically, emotionally, socially, culturally, and physically.