Principals and pupils at two archdiocesan Catholic schools were jubilant Friday, May 27, to learn they had been awarded national recognition for their educational excellence.

St. John the Evangelist Catholic School, Hapeville, and St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School, Lilburn, were among only seven public and private schools in Georgia to receive the National School of Excellence award from U.S. Department of Education.

The “Blue Ribbon” awards will be accepted by school representatives who will travel to Washington, D.C., in early fall. This was the first time either school had undertaken the lengthy application process required for consideration.

St. John the Evangelist celebrates its 40th years as a Catholic school this fall. The school has 278 students enrolled, according to principal Sallie J. McQuaid.

St. John Neumann has been educating students for eight years and has enrollment of 588. Sister Dawn Gear, GNSH, is principal.