There was little excitement in Kevin Thomas’ voice.

The Potter-Dix Elementary School principal was speaking about his program’s 2012 National Blue Ribbon award, naming the Dix facility as one of 269 schools recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for excellence.

“It’s a great honor for the staff and the school board,” he said in measured tones.

One would hardly be able to tell from his inflection that the small school had caught the eye of education professionals nationwide.

But Thomas can be forgiven for his quiet appreciation of the major award. After all, he put himself and staff members through a lengthy application process, which included a 27 page report and an emphasis on meeting academic standards.

The state approached Thomas last year, letting him know Potter-Dix Elementary qualified and suggesting he submitted the necessary paperwork. The forms were sent to Washington in March.

“It’s a huge application process,” he acknowledged.

In order to secure the award, Potter-Dix Elementary staff had to wait out spring semester test scores, as well.

Still, the National Blue Ribbon is a signal honor. Only five other schools in the state--Kevin Thomas Bloomfield Jr-Sr High School in Bloomfield, Elgin Elementary School in Elgin, Mount Michael Benedictine School in Elkhorn, Norwood Park Elementary School in Lincoln, and Skutt Catholic High School in Omaha--received recognition this year from the Department of Education.

Potter-Dix’s humble principal suggested the school may have an advantage. Student-teacher ratios allow instructors at the Dix campus more involvement with the children. However, he admitted that the rural nature of the school and student mobility are issues they must always struggle with.

The award did not go unnoticed in Washington.

“Education is critical to providing the next generation with greater opportunity,” said U.S. Representative Adrian Smith. “I congratulate the students of Potter-Dix Elementary School on being named a National Blue Ribbon School.

“I applaud their hard work and dedication which has brought well-deserved national recognition and pride to our state,” he continued.

Smith spoke moments after the list of honorees was announced to the media late last week.

“I also want to thank the teachers and administrators who dedicate long hours, time, and talent to help children learn, making this accomplishment possible,” the congressman added.

The National Blue Ribbon School award honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools whose students achieve at very high levels or make significant improvements in their levels of achievement.

The program is part of a larger Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about best school leadership and teaching practices.

“Our nation has no greater responsibility than helping all children realize their full potential,” Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education said. “Schools honored with the National Blue Ribbon Schools award are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers.

“Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and that education is the surest pathway to a strong, secure future,” the secretary pointed out.

Thomas admitted that he learned of Potter-Dix’s inclusion on the list earlier last week, keeping silent until the official announcement. He planned to discuss the honor with the school board at Tuesday night’s regular meeting.

“It’s just coming out, so I haven’t heard from parents,” he said when asked about reaction in the Potter-Dix community. “They’ll find out this week.”

The Department of Education will honor approximately 219 public and 50 private schools at a recognition ceremony on November 12-13 in Washington, D.C.

In its 30-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this coveted award on nearly 7,000 of America’s schools.