Texas Governor Greg Abbott this week named Lamar CISD’s Meyer Elementary School among just 28 Texas schools named as the inaugural class of Lone Star Ribbon Schools. The designation comes in recognition of each school’s outstanding academic performance and progress in closing achievement gaps. The Lone Star Ribbon Schools program is the continuation of the previously named National Blue Ribbon Schools program, which transitioned this year under the administration of individual states.  

Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens celebrated the news and congratulated Meyer Principal Rochelle Horton and the entire school community on being awarded the prestigious honor. 

“For over 40 years, the National Blue Ribbon Schools program recognized standout schools both in Texas and across the country for going above and beyond and offering every student the chance to be successful,” Dr. Nivens said. “Lamar CISD is proud to be home to three campuses previously inducted as National Blue Ribbon Schools, and we’re excited to have Meyer Elementary School now named one of the very first Lone Star Ribbon Schools, carrying on a tradition of providing our Lamar CISD students a truly elite education.” 

Nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools program – originally established in 1982 – have traditionally been made by individual state departments of education. The newly launched Lone Star Ribbon Schools program is intended to carry on the same high standards of excellence and campus achievement as the previous national award program, according to a statement from the governor’s office. 

"Today, we recognize the Texas schools whose hard work from teachers, staff, and parents are helping our students achieve academic excellence,” said Governor Abbott in a statement. “Texas will continue to invest in our schools to improve performance and better prepare Texans for the workforce. I congratulate the 28 campuses who are now 2025 Lone Star Ribbon Schools. Together, we will chart a path toward a bigger, brighter Texas.” 

Since 1982, the U. S. Department of Education has recognized just 7,000 U.S. schools under the national program, an indicator of the award’s rigorous standards for inclusion. The new Lone Star Ribbon program, under the state’s management, is designed to strongly reflect the priorities and values of local schools and the communities they serve.