WAYNE COUNTY, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has announced the inaugural 2025 Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon Schools. Although the U.S. Department of Education recently terminated the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, the Pennsylvania Department of Education is celebrating thirteen schools for their recognition as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School or Exemplary High Performing School.   

The Pennsylvania Department of Education will recognize these schools at the annual PDE SAS Conference on December 9, 2025, in Hershey, PA.

The 13 schools selected included Lakeside Elementary School in the Wayne Highlands School District. 

According to the announcement on the Pennsylvania Department of Education Wesbite, “Lakeside Elementary serves students in Grades 3–5 in a close-knit, rural community composed of hardworking families who value education, growth, and grit. Despite a predominantly low socioeconomic population, our students consistently rise to the occasion and perform at high academic levels, a reflection of both their determination and the dedication of our outstanding educators.

Our school fosters a disciplined, supportive, and structured learning environment where students feel safe, respected, and empowered to succeed. At Lakeside, we are committed not only to academic achievement but also to developing the whole child, with a strong focus on leadership development and character education.

Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of unique clubs and activities that support personal growth and community engagement. A highlight of our programming is the Lakeside Garden Club, where students take an active role in planting, maintaining, and harvesting a school garden, learning responsibility, teamwork, and environmental stewardship in the process.”