Rep. Lipinski took part in a school assembly Friday, Oct. 4, recognizing St. John of the Cross Parish School in Western Springs as one of 50 private schools nationwide selected for a prestigious 2012 National Blue Ribbon Award from the U.S. Department of Education. The award is based on overall academic excellence and student achievement levels. Congressman Lipinski, a Western Springs resident and St. John of the Cross parishioner, presented Principal Kathleen Gorman and the Rev. David Dowdle with a copy of his statement in the Congressional Record congratulating the students, teachers, administrators and parents for winning the award. Lipinski will join Gorman and Dowdle in Washington, D.C., when they receive the award in November. Joining the congressman at the event were Gov. Pat Quinn and state Rep. Jim Durkin.