New National Blue Ribbon School sign is ‘symbol of the traditions … beacon to the future’ at Holy Cross District High School

Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

Holy Cross District High School, Covington, was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2024, making them one of only 356 schools selected in the 2023-2024 school year.

This tremendous accomplishment is now permanently affixed to the face of two buildings on the campus of Holy Cross District High School, serving as a beacon of academic excellence for all who drive down Church Street. Bishop John Iffert joined the students, faculty and staff of Holy Cross for Mass and a blessing of the new signage.

In his blessing of the sign, Bishop Iffert said, “It will be an open invitation to all who pass by it to come inside and hear the good news of Christ, to see through our actions, our witness to Christ and be welcome as members of the Body of Christ.”

“For over 100 years,” said Rob Knox, principal of Holy Cross, “Holy Cross has stood for the opportunity of urban Catholic education in the Diocese of Covington. Holy Cross, I am beyond proud to say, received its blue-ribbon award as an exemplary achievement gap closing school.”

The recognition of being an exemplary achievement gap closing school sets apart Holy Cross as not only a model of secondary education, but one that meets students where they are and helps them rise above.

This achievement, says Mr. Knox, means that “we live up to our philosophy of being a place for all. We pride ourselves on the achievement and success of our students that some in society believe should succeed less. But we believe, with faith-filled hearts, that every student who walks through our doors deserves the best Catholic education we can give them.”

In his remarks, Bishop Iffert recalled a paper he wrote regarding the true value of a university education; however, the remarks remain true for the work of Holy Cross High School.

“To really know the value of a university education, you have to look at where the students coming in are and what they’ve managed to gain in those four or five years that they spend in university,” said Bishop Iffert.

He continued saying, “Holy Cross is carrying a vision that is so important to me, to know that schools help people achieve, help people overcome educational obstacles, and help them move from grade-level parity to a grade level ahead, that’s the goal.”

Mr. Knox highlighted that not only is this achievement the work of those students in the 2023-2024 school year, but it is the work also of all those who came before, “the Blue Ribbon is a testament to our past, our present, but most importantly, our future, a future thriving, a Holy Cross community where students and families from all walks of life receive a world-class education, a call to be faithful servants and messengers of God, and a place they can call home.”

“These beautiful signs,” Mr. Knox continued saying, “are a symbol of the traditions of excellence at Holy Cross, but also a beacon to the future of our school and community.”