The Anderson County Bicentennial Parade commemorates 200 years of local history in a lively and welcoming setting. Community members are encouraged to participate and enjoy the celebration. There is no entry fee, and all participants should align with the Bicentennial theme. Date & Time: Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Location: Main Street, Downtown Anderson Parade Detail | Guidelines & Applications: 
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Apr 09,2019

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Communications & Outreach, Press Office   

400 Maryland Ave., S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20202                 

U.S. Department of Education Announces 2018 National Blue Ribbon Schools –

Mount Lebanon Elementary School Named as Exemplary High Performing School

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today recognized 349 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2018 on October 1, 2018. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

Mount Lebanon Elementary School, located in Pendleton, SC and part of Anderson School District Four, is one of five schools in South Caroliona to be recognized. The first elementary school in the country to receive AdvancED’s coveted STEM Certification, Mount Lebanon receives the National Blue Ribbon School designation as an Exemplary High Performing School.


“I’m pleased to celebrate with you as your school is named a National Blue Ribbon School,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a video message to the honorees.  “We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives. Congratulations on your students’ accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs.”

The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. 

“We are extremely proud of the students and staff at Mount Lebanon Elementary School,” said Joanne Avery, superintendent.  “This prestigious accomplishment is a testament to the outstanding academic work happening each day at Mount Lebanon and the progress they have made in preparing students for postsecondary educational opportunities and future careers.  Congratulations to the staff, students, parents and leadership for being among the ranks of the best schools in the nation.”

Now in its 36th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more than 8,800 schools. On November 7-8, the Secretary and the Department of Education will celebrate with 300 public and 49private school honorees at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.


All schools are honored in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates:

  • Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
  • Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students over the past five years.

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by The Council for American Private Education (CAPE).