LT is proud to announce its selection as one of only 28 schools across the state to receive the inaugural Illinois Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools Award for exemplary academic performance, according to lths.net. This prestigious recognition was launched by Governor J.B. Pritzker to celebrate outstanding schools in Illinois following the sudden cancellation of the federal National Blue Ribbon Schools Program by the Trump Administration earlier this year—just weeks before winners were scheduled to be announced.
“At a moment when quality education is more important than ever, we will never abandon our pursuit of academic excellence or recognition of the teachers and students doing the hard work every day,” Pritzker said in a press release on July 7. “Illinois will always strive to give our students and schools the tools and support they need to succeed.”
School performance, graduation rates, and proficiency in key subjects continue to improve statewide, and Illinois now ranks third in the nation for education, the LT website said. LT ranks in the 91st percentile for overall ELA proficiency, the 93rd percentile for overall Math proficiency, and the 88th percentile for overall Science proficiency.
“This award is really credited to our students and everything they do every day,” LT Coordinator of Assessment and Research Kristine Zieman said. “Congratulations to [the] students.”
Other reasons for LT’s achievement include funding: Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly have increased funding in public education by more than $2.8 billion, a 33% increase since fiscal year 2019, according to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). LT has also partnered with Equal Opportunity Schools, which encourages underprivileged students to take AP and dual enrollment courses. This resulted in an increase in the AP credit pass rate from 62.0% in 2022-2023 to 77.3% in 2024-2025, according to the 2025 Equal Opportunity Schools Advanced Placement Exams report?.
“We are committed to excellence through continuous improvement to ensure each student achieves a high level of achievement and personal growth,” Zieman said.
Superintendent Dr. Brian Waterman was invited by the Governor’s Office to speak at the inaugural award ceremony held on Oct. 10, at Glen Oaks Elementary School in North Palos District 117. The event brought together school leaders, teachers, students, and members of the ISBE to celebrate the first cohort of awardees.
“This honor affirms the dedication of our teachers and staff, the partnership of our families and the community, and most importantly, the excellence and character of our students,” Waterman said during his speech at the inaugural award ceremony. “We are deeply honored to represent [LT] and celebrate this achievement alongside so many outstanding schools from across Illinois.”