Just after the start of the school year, students, faculty and parents at St. Joseph School of Oradell and New Milford learned they would be honored by the US Department of Education as one of 14 schools in the state to be named a “National Blue Ribbon Schools”.

A few weeks later, the school's PTO presented Principal Colette Vail a wooden Blue Ribbon signed by all students. So it was only fitting that during Catholic Schools Week, the lower grades were greeted by Father Tom Iwanowski, Oradell Mayor Joseph Murray and wife Joan for a Blue Ribbon cutting ceremony.

"Our school was given a pat on the back by the government," Father Iwanowski said. "When you are given a pat on the back, not only is it saying you did a good job, but that you can also still do better."

The ceremony was held indoors so that the study body could be a part of the event. Principal Colette Vail called the students the reason why the school received its' Blue Ribbon honor.

"My wife and I knew this school was a Blue Ribbon School years ago," Murray said. All of the Murray's five children attended and graduated from St. Joseph School. "This is an award well deserved and I congratulate the students, teachers and principal for all their hard work."