La Joya, TX – La Joya ISD is proudly celebrating Diaz-Villarreal Elementary after staff met the requirements to earn the prestigious National Blue-Ribbon School Designation – one of the highest honors a campus can receive.
Despite the U.S. Department of Education’s recent announcement that it would no longer administer or issue these designations; the Texas Education Agency (TEA) continued recognizing schools successfully meeting Blue Ribbon standards.
A national recognition for schools considered exemplary models of excellence, meeting the national standards to earn a Blue-Ribbon School Designation reflects the dedication of educators, the determination of students and the unwavering support of the La Joya ISD community.
Last year, Diaz-Villarreal was invited to apply for the designation. Under the leadership of Principal Bibiana Hinojosa, the campus team worked diligently to complete the rigorous application process in pursuit of this honor, which places Diaz-Villarreal Elementary among the best schools in the nation – a testament to the district’s commitment to academic excellence through strong leadership.
Diaz-Villareal’s recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School exemplifies the highest standards of excellence in leadership, instruction, and family partnership—core pillars of La Joya ISD’s strategic vision, Achieving Excellence Together 2030. La Joya ISD proudly honors the campus leadership, teachers, staff, and families of Diaz-Villareal for their unwavering commitment and determination to deliver educational excellence to every student, in every classroom, every day.
During one of the district’s bi-monthly principals’ meetings, Principal Hinojosa learned of her campus’ success and was praised by Dr. Marcey Sorensen, Superintendent of Schools for La Joya ISD.
“This sort of achievement is not possible without great leaders and a hard-working and dedicated staff,” said Dr. Sorensen. “Ms. Hinojosa led this campus to be recognized as one of the best. It is an honor and we are so excited to congratulate the leadership of the campus, the students, staff and community behind this momentous recognition!”
Last week, Hinojosa, along with district leaders, surprised students and staff with news of the designation during a special assembly, which featured various performances by Palmview High Schools’s Conjunto La Tradicion, who amplified the celebration by getting students and staff on their feet and moving.
“This distinction goes beyond me and it has been quite the journey – from receiving the nomination to applying and fulfilling the requirements – I am now so excited and proud to celebrate this milestone,” said Hinojosa. “This national accolade belongs to all of us – to our amazing teachers, our determined students and our supportive parents and community – thank you all for making Diaz-Villarreal one of the best schools in the nation!”
La Joya ISD commends Diaz-Villarreal Elementary for representing the district at a national level and being a source of immense pride for the district as it reflects the heart, dedication and excellence that defines the La Joya ISD community.
Diaz-Villarreal staff will be formally recognized and celebrated at the next La Joya ISD School Board meeting set for Wednesday, September 24 at 5:30 p.m.