Kildeer Countryside School students celebrate Nov. 27 during a ceremony for their 2012 National Blue Ribbon School award. | Buzz Orr~Sun-Times Media

Kildeer Countryside principal Jennifer Smith (left) and District 96 Superintendent Julie Schmidt show off the school's 2012 National Blue Ribbon School award. | Buzz Orr~Sun-Times Media

Kildeer Countryside School students sing while celebrating during a ceremony for their 2012 National Blue Ribbon School award on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, at the school in Long Grove. | Buzz Orr~Sun-Times Media

Kildeer Countryside School celebrated this 2012 National Blue Ribbon School award during a ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, at the school in Long Grove. | Buzz Orr~Sun-Times Media

Lake County Board Chairman David Stolman speaks during a Kildeer Countryside School 2012 National Blue Ribbon School award ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, at the school in Long Grove. | Buzz Orr~Sun-Times Media

Kildeer Countryside School student Caleb Mahn performs with the band Nov. 27 during the school's National Blue Ribbon School award ceremony. | Buzz Orr~Sun-Times Media