Lux honored as National Blue Ribbon School

Lux Middle School has been named a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Lux joins 325 schools from across the country, ranging from pre-K to high school, that are being recognized for their overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

Lux will be formally recognized during a ceremony later this week in Washington, D.C. The coveted Blue Ribbon award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. 

“It’s not only about our achievements in the classroom and with student scores,” said Lux Principal Duane Dohmen, who has been at Lux since 2014. “It’s also about the culture we’ve created here at Lux, a culture that not only promotes academic excellence but stresses positive relationships, diversity and making responsible choices.”

Lux joins seven other schools from Lincoln Public Schools to have received the award since 1982: Pyrtle Elementary (2020), Rousseau Elementary (2018), Riley Elementary (2011), Norwood Park Elementary (2012), Southeast High School (1988), Lincoln East Junior and Senior High School (1983), and Lincoln High School (1983).

“As a Blue Ribbon School, Lux joins an elite group of schools in the country,” said LPS Superintendent Steve Joel. “They’re now one of a number of LPS schools that have won this award, which reflects the excellent teaching and learning that takes place across the district. It’s the hard work and dedication of Principal Dohmen, staff and students that has made this possible. All of LPS is incredibly proud of this honor they’ve so deservedly earned.”

The U.S. Department of Education recognizes schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, student subgroup scores and graduation rates. Lux received the Exemplary High Performing School award. Schools in this category are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. 

“There could not be a school more deserving of this honor,” said LPS Associate Superintendent for Instruction Matt Larson. “Principal Dohmen and his staff have created a learning environment that not only pushes students to reach their full potential in academics but also in life beyond the classroom by providing the tools and support they need to thrive.”

Lux also is scheduled to be honored with a formal resolution at the Lincoln Board of Education’s Nov. 23 meeting.


Published: November 3, 2021, Updated: November 6, 2021

"It’s not only about our achievements in the classroom and with student scores. It’s also about the culture we’ve created here at Lux, a culture that not only promotes academic excellence but stresses positive relationships, diversity and making responsible choices."

Lux Middle School Principal Duane Dohmen