Senator Collins Delivers Remarks at Fourteenth Street School Blue Ribbon Ceremony

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Bangor, ME -U.S. Senator Susan Collins visited Fourteenth Street School in Bangor today, where she delivered remarks at an assembly recognizing the school’s recent designation as a National Blue Ribbon School and presented a copy of her Congressional Record Statement on the school’s outstanding achievement.  Fourteenth Street School, which serves students in kindergarten through third grade, was recognized in September by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School.  It is one of only three Maine schools—and one of only 342 public and private schools nationwide—to receive this highly prestigious distinction in 2017. 

“I am delighted to visit your wonderful school today.  To be named a Blue Ribbon School is a tremendous honor.  It is an honor that all of you earned by working together.  You should be very proud that out of all the schools in America, Fourteenth Street School is one of just 342 to achieve this award this year.  Bangor is filled with people who work very hard to make sure everyone can receive a good education,” Senator Collins told the assembled Fourteenth Street School administrators, faculty, and students.  “After I heard about your award, I had the great pleasure of putting a statement in the Congressional Record to tell members of Congress from all around the country about Fourteenth Street School, a Blue Ribbon Award winner.”

During the assembly, Senator Collins also showed students her slideshow, “A Day in the Life of Senator Susan Collins.”  The presentation gives students an opportunity to see some of the work Senator Collins does on a daily basis, including meeting with Mainers, touring Maine businesses, chairing Senate hearings, and speaking on the Senate floor. Following the presentation, Senator Collins took photos with each grade level and read Antlers Forever! to 1st grade students.

For 35 years, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has honored public and private elementary, middle, and high schools. Blue Ribbon schools are recognized for overall academic excellence or for making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap.  Last week, Senator Collins met with Fourteenth Street School Principal Dan Chadbourne and teacher Kim Scaves along with Bangor School Department Superintendent Betsy Webb, who were in Washington, D.C., for the national Blue Ribbon ceremony.

Senator Collins has visited more than 200 schools throughout Maine.