Eighth grader Sylvia Marut has always known that hers is no ordinary school. But now, the rest of the country knows it too.

In St. Ann School, Lawrenceville, Marut feels that the teachers are just a little more dedicated, the curriculum more challenging and the presence of God simply unmistakable in every person who walks the hallways. And those attributes have been a recipe for success that earned St. Ann the distinction of being a 2010 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.

Marut shared her perspective on what makes St. Ann School special with faculty, staff, students, parents and many distinguished guests during a celebration in recognition of the school’s award in St. Ann Church Nov. 22. Bishop John M. Smith and Coadjutor Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., led the ceremony of prayer and reflection along with Father Vincent Gartland, pastor of St. Ann Parish.

“The teachers at St. Ann School challenge me to dig deep down inside myself and bring out talents and skills I never even knew I had. They teach me how to use my gifts to help others in my community and in the entire world,” Marut told those in attendance.

Most importantly, she said, her experience in St. Ann has taught her to be proud of her Catholic faith and to put that faith into practice.

“My religion class teaches me how to handle tough and challenging situations and how to involve God in everything I do,” Marut explained. “It is my survival guide and manual on how to live my life according to God’s will.”

In September, the U.S. Department of Education named St. Ann one of only 304 schools nationwide to receive the Blue Ribbon Award, which recognizes public and private schools that have shown all-around excellence through high test scores, solid curriculum, parent and community involvement and a clear sense of mission and vision. St. Ann is one of 50 private schools selected and is the only Catholic school in New Jersey to be honored this year.

The school was formally recognized during a national ceremony in Washington Nov. 15-16. During the local celebration with the St. Ann community, the Blue Ribbon plaque was presented to St. Ann principal John McKenna by Valarie Smith, director of the Office of Interdistrict Choice and Nonpublic Options for the N.J. Department of Education. Among those on hand to offer words of congratulations were JoAnn Tier, diocesan secretary for Catholic education and superintendent of Catholic schools, and several community leaders.

Bishop Smith stated that both he and Bishop O’Connell have great pride in St. Ann for being “a school where young people come to know, love and serve Jesus Christ.” That service to the Lord is most evident in the many outreach efforts that St. Ann School has undertaken, he said.

“One of the many things that have impressed me about your school of St. Ann is the fact that you give back,” Bishop Smith said. “You give back all the time in your various projects, in helping poor people, in reaching out to people in other countries. This truly is an extraordinary school.”

Karen Johnson, a parent of two students in St. Ann School and co-president of the PTA, said that part of the school’s success comes from its willingness to work side-by-side with parents in helping to form children both in academics and in faith.

“We partner with the faculty and staff to ensure that children receive an education not only in reading, writing, science and math, but also in the good news of Jesus; proclaiming peace, justice and compassion as the cornerstones upon which our children build their lives,” Johnson said. “From the earliest grades, the children of St. Ann School understand that we can come together and truly make a difference for others, and they do so with great joy.”

In accepting the award, McKenna noted that being recognized as a Blue Ribbon school is not something that happened overnight. The award, he said, was the culmination of a long-term devotion to building and maintaining a level of excellence, which was a collaborative effort by faculty, students and parents.

And even with all of the attention bestowed upon them, McKenna said, the school has no intention of resting on its laurels.

“As we look to the future, believing without doubt that there are great years ahead for our school, we are aware that just as there were challenges in the past there will always be challenges ahead,” he said. “But like those who have gone before us, we will roll up our sleeves and get the job done, providing each and every one of our students with a quality, faith-filled education.

“Where do we go from here? We continue to do what we do every day,” he added. “We pray, we work together, we work hard, we reach out a helping hand to others, and above all, we thank God every day for all that he has bestowed upon us.”