Graveraet Elementary School in the Marquette Area Public School District has been designated as an Exemplary High Performing Schools National Blue Ribbon School for 2021 by the U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona. Graveraet is one of 325 schools in the Nation, one of 13 schools from Michigan, and to the best of our knowledge the only school in the Upper Peninsula to be recognized with this prestigious award.
Here is the link for the formal announcement:
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USED/bulletins/2f2d6d7.
Quote from Dr. Kemppainen, Principal of Graveraet: "I am so proud of our entire staff, all our students and families, everyone here at Graveraet Elementary School, because we all have made a conscious effort and priority over the past seven years to focus on what matters most, meeting the needs of the whole child. When students feel safe, have trust in and with us, and know that there are teachers and staff who genuinely care for and love them, they are able to challenge themselves and grow academically, socially and emotionally. While all of us at Graveraet would agree that academic goals matter, we also share a firm belief that no academic goal is worth the soul of a child."
Quote from Zack Sedgwick, Interim Superintendent: "Congratulations to Dr. Kemppainen and the students, staff and families of Graveraet Elementary School for the prestigious honor of being named a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education. This award is testament to their hard work and dedication and I couldn't be more proud of their accomplishment!"