By Joe Jarosz

Northeast News

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Sometimes when you’re doing something good, even those at the highest level have to say congratulations.

Last Thursday, Gov. Jay Nixon visited Kansas City to recognize Lincoln College Preparatory Academy for its national Blue Ribbon Award. The school was one of seven in Missouri and just 287 public K-12 schools nationwide to receive the designation of academic excellence from the U.S. Department of Education.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students either achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap, especially among disadvantaged and minority students. The U.S. Department of Education says the award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content.

Nixon first met with 14 students in a classroom for a roundtable discussion before congratulating the entire school during an afternoon assembly. During the intimate discussion, Nixon asked the students what they plan to study at college and about desired career paths.

“Today, you’re competing with your counterparts in Japan, Sweden, India and Brazil because the world has become a global market place where borders aren’t barriers to the movement of goods and services and great ideas,” Nixon told the students.

At the assembly, Nixon said Lincoln College Prep is one of Missouri’s most outstanding public schools. In 2014, more than 91 percent of Lincoln Prep graduates went on to pursue a post secondary degree, higher than the state average. The governor also applauded the school for scoring a 100 percent on the Missouri School Improvement Program, a new, more difficult state standards implemented last year.

“When it comes to academic excellence, Lincoln Prep doesn’t take a back seat to anybody,” Nixon said. “I want to make sure you’re thanking your staff and teachers for making that opportunity possible. The teachers here are making certain you’re ready to move onto the next level and succeed.”

The governor also pointed out Missouri’s efforts to make college more affordable for students and families. In addition to making investments in K-12 classrooms and expanding access to early childhood education, Nixon has worked with Missouri’s public higher educational institutions to hold down tuition by securing three tuition freezes during his tenure. According to data released by the College Board last week, tuition and fees at Missouri’s public four-year institutions have increased just seven percent since 2008, the smallest percentage increase in the nation. The report also said Missouri leads all 50 states in holding down tuition increases at public universities for the sixth straight year.

“After we froze tuition again for the third time in six years, this most recent national report shows that our efforts to make Missouri a national leader in college affordability continue to pay real dividends for students and families across our state,” Nixon said.

During the assembly, roughly a dozen students sitting in the back of the auditorium in the line of sight of Gov. Nixon, stood up from their seats and raised their hands over their head, silently protesting the police shooting in Ferguson, Mo. The students were escorted out of the assembly by a faculty member. After his speech, Nixon acknowledged the protest and said he understands their concerns.

“There’s a lot of energy out there and, quite frankly, as you’ve seen, the young folks feel the most energetic about this,” Nixon said. “When young people get engaged and interested, it’s good for the system. A number of young folks have connected with the issues there. That energy of those young folks, that’s what’s pushing everyone else to get some changes, and to make progress. This has connected with young folks because they understand it and they need to be a force so we can be a better state and better society after this.”

Ray Weikal, Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator for the Kansas City Public Schools, said school administrators informed students prior to the governor’s arrival that disruptive behavior would not be tolerated. After the protest, administrators spoke with the students and their parents about their actions and the students are being disciplined per the student code of conduct.

“They are not being suspended,” Weikal said.