Blue Ribbon Award Cause For Celebration At Marlboro's Defino School

MARLBORO, NJ — Frank Defino Central Elementary School in Marlboro announced its recognition last week as one of the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education.

This week, the K to 5 school had a chance to celebrate.

And the township joined in.

Mayor Jon Hornik, who himself is a 1981 alumnus of school when it was known as Central School, said the Township Council officially recognized the achievement.

The school was recognized in the Exemplary High Performing School category of the Blue Ribbon School program.

It is one of only 297 in the country recognized in this and a second category this year and is one of nine recognized in the state. It is the only school named for the honor in Monmouth County this year.

The council formally praised the school's "monumental accomplishment."

"This national honor is an immense source of pride for the entire community," Hornik said, presenting the proclamation.

You can see more of the event at the township's Facebook page.

The Blue Ribbon honor was based on the school’s overall academic performance measured by state assessments.

“This honor would not be possible without a staff of passionate and dedicated educators, incredible hard-working students, and wonderful families. In addition, we have phenomenal support from our district leadership, the greater Marlboro community, and our Board of Education,” said Dr. David Stratuik, principal of Defino Elementary School, last week.

Read more about the announcement of the national award here.