Graham Elementary is the only school in Central Texas to earn the prestigious honor of being named a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Graham is one of only 20 schools across the state to be recognized. 

Each year, the Department of Education asks the top education official from each state to nominate schools which have been exemplary in demonstrating either high performance or improvement. Graham was selected as an “Exemplary Improving” school, an honor reserved for schools where at least 40 percent of students are from disadvantaged communities and that demonstrate the most progress in improving student achievement levels.  

“We have been very fortunate to have consistently produced stellar academic results at Graham,” Principal Blaine Helwig said. “Being selected for this award is both humbling and a culmination of our dedication toward improving students’ lives.”

The Texas Education Agency rated Graham as exemplary in 2011 and the campus earned Gold Performance Acknowledgements for Commended Performance in reading, writing, mathematics and science. Last year, Helwig was a finalist for H-E-B’s statewide, outstanding principal award and a finalist for AISD’s principal of the year award.

The Department of Education will honor all National Blue Ribbon Schools during a recognition ceremony Nov. 12-13 in Washington, D.C.