Bullitt County Public Schools is proud to announce that Old Mill Elementary School (OMES) has been designated as a 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Lighthouse School. This esteemed recognition highlights OMES's unwavering commitment to educational excellence and its dedication to fostering a nurturing and effective learning environment.
The Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence (BRSE) is a non-profit organization that has been serving schools across the nation since 2001. Their mission is to provide a comprehensive assessment and support system to help schools achieve excellence. The Lighthouse School designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate high performance in nine critical areas:
Student Focus and Support
School Organization and Culture
Challenging Standards and Curriculum
Active Teaching and Learning
Technology Integration
Professional Community
Leadership and Educational Vitality
School, Family, and Community Partnerships
Indicators of Success
To earn this distinction, OMES underwent a rigorous assessment process, including surveys, data analysis, and an on-site evaluation by BRSE consultants. The school's exemplary performance across these categories reflects its holistic approach to education and its commitment to continuous improvement.
OMES Principal Brittany Joiner expressed her pride in the school's achievement:
"We didn't get here by accident—we worked hard for this. We grew, we struggled, and we never gave up! This award is a symbol of our commitment, our passion, and our belief that every student can achieve greatness."
This achievement also showcases OMES’ commitment to the BCPS Graduate Profile, which prepares students to succeed by fostering key competencies. At OMES, students embody the Mastery Learner mindset by continuously striving for academic excellence, embracing challenges, and applying a growth mindset to overcome obstacles. The school’s collaborative culture supports students as Productive Collaborators, encouraging teamwork among peers and staff to achieve shared goals. Through perseverance and adaptability, students become Self-Directed Navigators, setting goals, managing challenges, and working toward success with determination. This Lighthouse School designation underscores the OMES’ success in cultivating these competencies—proving that when students take ownership of their learning, collaborate effectively, and persist in the face of challenges, they can reach the highest levels of achievement.
BCPS Superintendent Dr. Jesse Bacon celebrated the recognition, stating:
"This isn't just an award—it's a testament to what happens when a school believes in its students and when students believe in themselves.”
An OMES student also captured the excitement of the school community by saying,
"This is just the beginning—the beginning of an even greater future."
Principal Joiner added:
"At Old Mill, we don't stop when we reach success—we keep moving forward."
BCPS celebrates Old Mill's remarkable achievement and looks forward to continuing to provide innovative, high-quality education that prepares students for success in life.
For more information about the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, visit