The US Department of Education recognized more than 350 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools in 2023 and three elementary schools in the Mountain State earned the distinction. Sherman Elementary in Boone County, Jayenne Elementary in Marion County and Ritchie Elementary in Ohio County received the honor this week, according to a news release from the DOE. The program recognizes primary and secondary schools in the public and private sectors on academic achievement or closing gaps in performance for student populations.