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In Their Own Words
Here's what STA students have to say about what it means to be a Blue Ribbon School:
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"I think it is very special that we have Blue Ribbon Week. We are a Blue Ribbon School because everyone in every class is so good." Delia Novak - Kindergarten
"We are a Blue Ribbon School because we work hard. We follow our goals. Our teachers help us learn. St. Thomas Aquinas is a fun school because we learn." Annie Morris - Grade 1
"I think being a Blue Ribbon School is great because St. Thomas Aquinas has worked so hard to get the Blue Ribbon. I hope you are as happy as I am. We are a big part of this. If we did not work at all, we would not be a Blue Ribbon School. So let's keep working hard." Emery Horvath - Grade 2
B is for brilliant
L is for learning in all subjects
U is for our uniqueness
E is for a great education
R is for having respect for everyone
I is for individual learning needs
B is for believing in yourself
B is for becoming better and better
Ois for being an official Blue Ribbon School
Nis for never giving up on what we're doing"
Mitchell Johnson - Grade 3
"Being a Blue Ribbon School means something very special to me. I am very proud of our whole school. I am very proud of our I-STEP grades. I think our teachers do a very, very good job at teaching. Our principal and secretary do a very good job also.
Going to a Blue Ribbon School means that I am receiving one of the best educations possible. I am very happy to go to St. Thomas Aquinas. The Blue Ribbon award inspires me to do the best that I can in school. I am grateful to our teachers for making our school shine! I promise to do all I can to make sure our school stays a Blue Ribbon winner." Zoe Ellars - Grade 4
"St. Thomas Aquinas has had a lot of accomplishments. One important accomplishment is becoming a Blue Ribbon School.
Our students, teachers and staff worked extremely hard to get recognition from our nation. It means so much to be rewarded, the way we are being rewarded today. I think I speak for all of St. Thomas when I say that this recognition has made us more confident. We are such a tiny school that we aren't able to receive many national awards. Today, we are recognized for our school goals, our academics, our diversity and our attention to the needs of all students.
Our school works incredibly hard. We are still working toward our writing and religion goals. We were noticed for our academics and good test scores. We are diverse because not every person looks alike or acts alike, even though we are dressed alike in our uniforms. Also, some of us learn differently which is why it is important that we have a great Resource program with dedicated teachers.
Being a Blue Ribbon School is a great honor for a great school!" George Glass - Grade 5
"When you think of a Blue Ribbon School, what first comes to mind? Some of you might think of diversity. Others might come up with faith-filled areas. I think of work ethic and high expectations.
First, I think of work ethic. Work ethic must be involved to be a Blue Ribbon School. For example, if no one tried at St. Thomas Aquinas, STA would definitely not be a Blue Ribbon School. Even though you may not be the best student in your class, if you have work ethic you can become an extremely bright student. If you practice your work ethic in school, it is a wonderful way to prepare yourself for a successful life ahead.
Last, along with work ethic you need high expectations to be a Blue Ribbon School. If you have high expectations of yourself, you will push yourself further. For example, if STA didn't have high expectations to improve in I-STEP scores, our scores would be much lower. High expectations should be set by not only yourself, but by your parents and teachers. High expectations are needed for good grades. Therefore, to be a Blue Ribbon School, high expectations are definitely needed.
Work ethic and high expectations are key ingredients for a Blue Ribbon School. St. Thomas has both and much, much more." Linda Albrecht - Grade 6
"A wonderful school has a variety of great things. It could have kind and caring students who never exclude others. It could have excellent teachers who are always kind, caring, and understanding of their students. It could have a variety of different students from different backgrounds, ethnic groups, and even different countries! Come and take a glimpse around St. Thomas Aquinas School and you will catch sight of every one of those traits.
We were one of only eleven schools in Indiana to win the honor of being a Blue Ribbon School. We are also a private school who has achieved in the top ten percent in the nation! Every student in STA is smart in a different way. Some of us have unbelieveable math skills. Some of us are extremely talented in literature. And maybe, some of us are amazing at science. No matter what, at St. Thomas, astonishing talents are somewhere inside every student. GO TIGERS!!" Bianca Chavis - Grade 7
"What is the quality of being unique? By definition it means having no like or equal, unparalleled, or incomparable. At St. Thomas, uniqueness is present in every classroom. Whether it is in our speech team, our Faith Partners, or our "family", uniqueness is everywhere.
When kids think of school, they immediately think of dozens of other places that they would rather be; however, St. Thomas is a welcoming place where learning is fun and enjoyable. It has the atmosphere of a warm and welcoming family with nine different generations. The eighth grade especially seems to pull together every year to make wonderful leaders for our school. Our eighth grade will never forget each other even though we graduate in six months.
Our school speech team is an exciting way to learn and interact with other schools and even our own classes. The speech team is very enjoyable, especially since Mrs. Chapman always has a knack for coaching it along the road to success. It is challenging for us, but it is worthwhile since we develop strong speaking skills and have fun doing it. It makes St. Thomas so unique because we put so much energy, hard work, and time into perfecting our work.
Our class specifically plays a major role in the activities of St. Thomas. We have the annual Halloween party and Christmas bazaar that we provide for the rest of the school. The Student Council has jeans days and Red Ribbon Week. During Catholic Schools Week, we have the ever-popular volleyball game between the eighth grade and the teachers. This year, we also had the kickball tournament which was a great way to stay active, interact with other classes, and develop sportsmanship skills.
Although most people look at schools and think that students are the most important component that is not completely true in our case. We have wonderful parents, dedicated teachers and a strong principal that help guide the school on the right path. Our unique school has the teachers, the eighth grade and support from all of the younger grades that make the school what we are..a Blue Ribbon family." Alex Arnold - Grade 8
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