MUNSTER – Like St. Thomas More School’s namesake patron, the 75-year-old educational institution has achieved one of the highest ranks in the academic realm, a national distinction that has stirred the souls of students, faculty, families and alumni.
On Sept. 23, the diocesan school’s 550 students gathered in the gymnasium anticipating something to unfold, having heard only vague hints from administrators and teachers about a “surprise.” On a projection screen, a live streamed message from the U.S. Department of Education played.
The National Blue Ribbon Award was described before schools were listed alphabetically by state. About ten minutes into the presentation, “St. Thomas More School, Munster, Indiana” appeared among the winning institutions and the gathering of students erupted in cheers as blue confetti flew. “We won!” said some, while others shouted, “We’re No. 1!”
Seventh-year principal Dr. Samantha Francis, a 1984 St. Thomas More graduate, was enthusiastic as the students in her assessment of the historic day for the school and diocese.
“I couldn’t be prouder of these students and faculty,” she said of the school’s first Blue Ribbon award. “I thank Father Mike (Yadron) daily for his support of the school. He’s a gem ... when the principal and the pastor get along, things get done.”
Only two schools in Northwest Indiana earned the prestigious honor awarded for top performers in state and national assessments and/or improvement in student performance: St. Thomas More and Porter Township School Corporation’s Porter Lakes Elementary School. Across the U.S., 356 schools earned the 2024 Blue Ribbon distinction.
St. Paul Catholic School in Valparaiso was named a Blue Ribbon School in 2022; St. Patrick School in Chesterton earned the honor in 2014.
Superintendent of Catholic Schools Dr. Colleen Brewer said that earning the award was “a really big deal” for the St. Thomas More School family and the greater diocesan school system.
“I’m just so proud of all the work that goes into earning this ... and to make sure every student is succeeding and thriving,” said Brewer of the annual award for exemplary public and private schools. “For me as a superintendent, it’s potentially a chance of a career ... to celebrate something like this on this sort of stage.”
Francis said it's no wonder that a combination of motivated learners, involved parents, dedicated teachers and a supportive pastor have helped students across the board, especially in the last year or two, to achieve top standardized test scores.
The principal said the school can chart a course for selective growth bolstered not only by its excellent reputation but also by the state support for parents and students in the School Choice Scholarship or voucher program.
At the campus affectionately known as “St. Tom’s,” generations of students, teachers and administrators do not consider it to be a diamond in the rough, but rather a school that distinguishes itself from other academically-sound institutions. They shared that the Catholic school’s approach emphasizes the body-mind-soul paradigm, where character education and faith expression are as important as reading or science.
This emphasis has helped one resident feel happier and more secure. Sophia Diaz, 13, transferred from Munster’s Wilbur Wright Middle School this summer.
“Choosing this school was a great option because everyone here is so nice and encouraging, and faith is the number one thing at this school,” said Diaz, an eighth-grader. “Being here is so fun.”
First-grader Clare Meegan, 6, seconded that emotion, “I love the teachers and I learn new things. I feel loved because they tell us about God.”
Technology teacher Brian Olmetti noted the excitement in students’ expressions at the announcement of St. Thomas More as a Blue Ribbon School. He sees similar reactions when youngsters solve computer issues or create original 3-D printer projects.
The “metrics of the award,” he said, help advocates of Catholic education have a common currency to compare their school to surrounding public institutions.
“I was on the committee for the Blue Ribbon proposal and I feel a lot of pride,” Olmetti said. “My family has various levels of participation in their practice of Catholicism; I’m the one who goes to Mass the most. Being able to brag about the fact that we got some national recognition … Now I can say we are one of 356 schools.”
St. Thomas More’s dean of curriculum and data Andrea Leahy corroborated Olmetti’s testimony.
“With my role being in charge of curriculum, I really get to go in and see the instruction that’s being taught, what we’re using – the books the supplies and materials – so that we can make sure our students are successful,” explained Leahy. “One of the things that is so unique about our school, though, is that faith is first, and that’s the core of our curriculum, then it’s math, reading, science, social studies and our beautiful specials programs with electives.”
What did it take for the second diocesan school in as many years to be recognized by the federal government with the award?
Francis said that several staff members took time away from their vacations late last year to complete the data collection and composition of reports due to the Department of Education by Jan. 4. “We were here for two weeks over Christmas break, diving into the questions and really pulling together everything that makes St. Tom’s special.”
St. Thomas More’s first school building was constructed under the leadership of the late founding pastor Father Robert Weis, expanded under the tenure of then-pastor Carl F. Mengeling, Bishop Emeritus of Lansing, Mich., and modernized with major capital campaigns led by Father Yadron.
Known for decades as Warriors, and presently as Eagles, St. Thomas More students may not be surprised that theirs is a high-achieving school, but the distinction encourages a high level of appreciation.
A student at St. Tom’s since kindergarten, eighth-grader Jacob Jorsch appreciates the upward trajectory of his school and a certain crowning achievement.
“Over the years, I’ve really seen things improve," said Jorsch, 13. “This is a great way for me to end my academic career here at STM.”
Just starting his school days, 6-year-old Austin Edgington, a first grader, added, “I was really excited for the surprise (announcement). I’ve been excited about new classes, teachers and the new rooms.”
Caption: St. Thomas More School students react in celebration after viewing the live streamed announcement in the gym of the Munster school indicating that their institution was named a National Blue Ribbon School on Sept. 23. Among only 356 public and private schools nationally, the Home of the Eagles earned the institution's first Blue Ribbon, a prestigious award established in the 1980s by the U.S. Department of Education that recognizes academic excellence and improvement as measured in standardized tests. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)