Jose Silveira usually raises the flags in front of Payne Elementary School without an audience, but things were quite different on Dec. 8.

Silveira, the school’s custodian, raised a new blue and white flag in front of students, teachers, parents and Moreland School District officials during a ceremony commemorating the school’s National Blue Ribbon School status.

More than 8,500 schools across the nation have been awarded National Blue Ribbon School status since the program began in 1982, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among students.

Principal Cathy Bailey, Assistant Principal Katie Berg and Superintendent Mary Kay Going traveled to Washington, D.C. last month to attend an awards ceremony. Payne Elementary is among 342 schools recognized this year.

“We learned that it’s easier to become a pro basketball player than to win the National Blue Ribbon Award,” Going said in a speech. “Think about that. That’s a pretty amazing feat you’ve done here at Payne School.”

Payne is the only school within Santa Clara County and one of 25 in the state to achieve the status. According to the U.S. Department of Education, Payne has been recognized as an exemplary high-performing school.

“As the Payne community knows, we are much more than the test scores that place us in the top 15 percent of schools,” Bailey said. “We’re proud to say that we are a group of teachers, staff, parents, community members that collaborate and work together to give our students an exemplary education that goes beyond reading, writing and arithmetic.”

According to Going, the school was nominated by Tom Torlakson, California State Superintendent of Public Education.

The process included an 18-page application in which school officials outlined their instructional strategies, student programs and family partnerships, according to Bailey.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the work we do each day and maybe even brag a little,” she said.

“Although it’s a recognition of all that we have accomplished over the years, it should also mark our continued passion and our efforts to provide our students with a world-class education,” Bailey said. “Our journey together continues next week, next month and well into the future.”