Skip to main content
KINGSPORT, TENN. – John F. Kennedy Elementary School has earned national recognition as a 2023 Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School from the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence (BRSE) for the 2023-2028 period. Kennedy Elementary now joins a dynamic environment of educators across the nation to collaborate and network regarding best practices that enables all children to achieve through measurable academic achievement.
"Hats off to the students and staff at Kennedy Elementary for the hard work and commitment they invested in order to earn the designation of a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School," said Dr. Chris Hampton, Kingsport City Schools Superintendent. "Earning the status of a Lighthouse School is no easy feat. Kingsport City Schools is incredibly proud of this accomplishment and everything that went into making this lofty goal a reality. Kennedy Elementary is a very special school and it is an honor to celebrate this success with them!"
"To have a national recognition like this brings an even stronger sense of pride to the whole Lynn Garden community," said Dr. Janice Irvin, Kennedy Elementary School Principal. "Kennedy Elementary received this recognition because of the work done by our students, staff, and families. We have always known what a special place this is, and it is validating that Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence bestowed us its highest honor."
Based on the BRSE national validated assessment process, Kennedy Elementary has met the required criteria in the nine performance areas of high performing schools required for this prestigious recognition award.
- Student Focus and Support
- School Organization and Culture
- Challenging Standard and Curriculum
- Active Teaching and Learning
- Technology and Integration
- Professional Community
- Leadership and Education Vitality
- School, Family, and Community Partnerships
- Indicators of Success
Kennedy Elementary will be honored at the 24th Annual BRSE National Conference at Walt Disney World's Disney's Contemporary Resort in Orlando, FL on Friday, December 1, 2023.
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence is a non-profit 501C3 organization that has been serving schools across the nation since 2001; there is no affiliation, nor endorsement, by the United States Department of Education - Blue Ribbon Schools Program. For more information about Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence visit blueribbonschools.com.
Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program; with a total enrollment of over 7,900 students.
KCS has been ranked the "#1 Best Place to Teach in Tennessee" by the 2023 NICHE Best Schools Ranking and the City of Kingsport has been voted as the "Nicest Places in America" in the October 2022 Reader's Digest.
For more information visit www.k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or call the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (kcsdistrict), Instagram (kcs__district), Twitter (@kcs__district), LinkedIn (kcsdistrict), and check out our YouTube Channel (@kcs__district).