Chicago school that went viral for mock conclave celebrates would-be Blue Ribbon award
The Trump Administration canceled the award weeks after the schools learns they had met the criteria.
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Students at a North Side Catholic school celebrated a would-be big win at Wrigley Field on Thursday.
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Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy was proudly displayed on the iconic marquee, marking their would-be selection as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School.
The superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Chicago said the Department of Education notified schools on Aug. 4 about being selected for the award, ABC7 Chicago news partner the Daily Herald reported.
However, on August 29, the department announced it would discontinue the program.
Each school took it upon themselves to find a way to celebrate.
Earlier this year, OLMC students went viral on social media for their mock conclave, transforming the school into the Sistine Chapel and electing a fourth grader as a pope.
SEE ALSO | Cardinal Cupich visits students of viral mock conclave at Chicago Catholic school
Among the Archdiocese of Chicago schools chosen for the honor this year are St. Anne Catholic School in Barrington, Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, St. Norbert School in Northbrook and St. Giles School in Oak Park. Timothy Christian School in Elmhurst and Wheaton Academy in West Chicago.
