Charleroi Elementary celebrates blue ribbon status
Only 13 Pennsylvania schools received the designation.
Charleroi celebrated like champions — because they are.
On Friday morning, Charleroi Elementary Center came alive with cheers, chants, games and even a balloon drop to celebrate a major milestone: the school’s designation as a 2025 Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon School.
The honor — awarded to just 13 schools across the commonwealth — recognizes high academic achievement, equity and inclusive learning environments. At Charleroi, it sparked a full-day celebration involving students, staff, families and the broader community.
“This is an amazing day for our community, for our student body, for an entire school district,” said Principal Mark Killinger, who serves grades K-2. “We’ve had a lot of different challenges that we face on a daily basis, and we’ve overcome them.”
Killinger credited the recognition to the hard work of students, teachers, staff and families.
He urged everyone — especially students — to make the most of each day. “Tomorrow is never guaranteed,” he said. “You get 24 hours. What are you doing with them? Are you growing, learning, pushing yourself — or are you sitting back? The ones who grow are the ones who make a difference.”
After a high-energy parade through campus — with students carrying a Blue Ribbon banner and families lining the route — the event continued with a school-wide assembly.
Students took part in live-stage games like Hula Hoop Relay, Pizza Box Knockout and Air Mattress Surfing.
Dr. Ed Albert, executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools (PARSS), was on hand to help mark the occasion.
“This is my third visit to Charleroi in two years, and it’s starting to feel like home,” Albert said. “Hard work and strong relationships make the difference — and your students have demonstrated both.”
He encouraged students to carry those lessons with them throughout life.
“That’s your homework from now until you’re older than me,” he told them. “Keep working hard. Keep being kind.”
Grades 3–5 Principal Adam Brewer praised the school’s spirit and unity.
“When I look out at all of you, I see what makes our school so special,” he said. “We’re not just a group of people who come here every day. We’re a Cougar family. And in our family, we bleed red and black.”
Brewer thanked the staff, school board and behind-the-scenes workers — from bus drivers to custodians — for their role in creating a place where kids can thrive.
“Becoming a Blue Ribbon School isn’t just about excellence,” he said. “It’s about teamwork, pride and believing that everyone matters.”
The school received a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, delivered by Rachel Willson on behalf of state Rep. Bud Cook, R-West Pike Run Township.
The citation highlighted Charleroi’s use of its ROARS behavioral program — Respect, Ownership, Attitude, Responsibility and Safety — as well as academic results that are “significantly above average” compared to other schools.
State Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll Township, who grew up near Charleroi, shared her excitement and hometown pride.
“You’re one of only 13 schools in Pennsylvania to earn this — that’s a really big deal,” she told the students. She congratulated them on their ROARS values and shared a bit of advice: “You are the average of the five people you hang out with the most. Think about that.”
The celebration ended with a school-wide appreciation video and a balloon drop — 1,900 blue balloons released in the parking lot, symbolizing the year Charleroi’s elementary schools were first unified.
The balloons weren’t helium-filled and gently floated to the ground.
Volunteers from the PTA helped collect and properly dispose of any that weren’t taken home.
While the community celebration marked the moment in Charleroi, an official statewide recognition is still to come.
The school will be honored in front of educators and state leaders at the 2025 SAS Institute next month in Hershey — where representatives will accept the award on behalf of the district.
