The entire Willard Middle School music department has once again earned the prestigious designation of Blue Ribbon School of Musical Excellence, marking an extraordinary fourth consecutive year of this achievement.
This honor, awarded by the Virginia Music Educators Association, is the highest recognition for music programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia. A school qualifies only when all top-performing ensembles—band, orchestra and choir—receive superior ratings at the VMEA District Concert Performance Assessment.
Achieving this designation is an exceptional accomplishment as it reflects consistent excellence across an entire music department. For Willard to have earned this distinction four times is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to the talent, dedication and hard work of both students and staff.
Research shows that participation in quality music education programs has a positive impact on student achievement, including improved academic performance, enhanced creativity, stronger social-emotional skills and greater self-confidence. Willard’s continued recognition affirms the power of music to uplift, inspire and support well-rounded student success.
Congratulations to the Willard music department and to all LCPS schools recognized with Blue Ribbon distinction in 2024: Brambleton Middle School and Briar Woods, Freedom, Lightridge, Rock Ridge and Woodgrove high schools.