Juan Diego Catholic High School recognized on Senate floor as National Blue Ribbon recipient

The Utah State Senate paused its regular session to recognize Juan Diego Catholic High School in Draper as a recipient of the National Blue Ribbon Award and to hear remarks from the school's principal, Dr. Veil Colosimo. Senators rose to welcome visiting students and school representatives before the presentation.

Senator Cullimore moved that the Senate resolve into the committee of the whole to hear from Dr. Colosimo; President Adams put the motion and it passed on a voice vote. Dr. Colosimo described the school's path to the award and urged broader awareness of the program so more Utah schools will consider applying. "Your school has to reach the following standard. 90% of its students have to score on a standardized exam at the 80th percentile or above to even be considered," Colosimo said, outlining the eligibility standard as he described it.

Colosimo said Juan Diego was among a select group nationwide and noted the local significance: "We are the first school of any kind in the state of Utah, first high school of any kind in the state of Utah, private, public, charter, in the last 22 years to have received the award." He also described the Blue Ribbon program's expectation that awardees act as mentors to encourage other schools to participate.

After the remarks, the Senate voted to dissolve the committee of the whole and returned to its regular order of business. The appearance was presented as a recognition and outreach opportunity rather than a legislative action; no legislation was enacted as part of the presentation.