As they were awaiting the results of the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools program awards, Carnegie Vanguard High School’s (CVHS) administrators were shocked to learn that the US Department of Education had suddenly discontinued the program. The phasing out of the program was an effort of the Trump Administration to begin “returning education to the states,” as stated by a Department of Education spokesperson. As a result, CVHS, which has been involved with the program for nearly two decades, is no longer able to receive the award.
The National Blue Ribbon Scholars program was an award provided by the US Department of Education, which once “honored high-performing schools and schools that were making great strides in closing any achievement gaps between students” (Wikipedia). CVHS has applied to the program on several occasions, first beginning in the early 2000s. The year of their first award acceptance, Principal Moss and Mr. Holloway, a former English teacher, attended the national recipients’ ceremony in Washington, DC. The acceptance of this award marked a huge milestone in CVHS’ journey as a small Gifted and Talented School with a large percentage of low-income students, placing them on the national stage.
Ever since then, CVHS administration have made an effort to apply to every round of the program available. In the case of CVHS, this long and thorough application process occurs once every five years.
“It’s quite extensive, with various different questions about the school, the history of the school, the nature and needs of the school, [and] what our focuses are. Then there are certain essays about different needs. It breaks it down into academic extracurriculars, budgetary, and various different needs of the campus and of students.” explains CVHS’ Principal Moss.
In the spring of 2025, CVHS applied for the program once more, and was nominated for the award by the Texas governor along with only 27 other schools. However, in September, CVHS administration received an email dated from Aug. 28 that described how this component of the Department of Education was being phased out.
“All of a sudden, the prospect of being named the National Blue Ribbon School again just, poof, disappeared. So that’s why it was so disheartening, especially after all the work that multiple people had put into it,’” Moss said.
As a result, the National Blue Ribbon Schools program has now been somewhat reinstated at the state level. Launched by Governor Abbott in 2025, the Lone Star Ribbon Schools program “honors Texas public schools for outstanding academic performance and meaningful progress in closing achievement gaps.” CVHS was one of 28 schools given this award in lieu of the now discontinued National Blue Ribbon Schools award.
“Even though they pulled the plug nationally, the letter did also say that districts and states could choose their own celebrations. There’s always a silver lining,” Moss said with a smile.
In February, administrators Melissa Matsu and Ramon Moss were awarded the Lone Star Award in person at an hour-long celebration that included various student performances and a larger presentation.
“We did receive a certificate from the state, and I think I’ll probably buy a photo frame for it where we can display that for everybody to see,” Moss said.
CVHS has also received other national recognitions this school year, solidifying its status as a top school. CVHS is ranked as #42 in US News’ National High Schools ranking, #5 in their Texas High Schools ranking, and #1 in Houston by the organization Children at Risk.
