Ed. Note: The following is a news release provided by Legacy Christian Academy.

Legacy Christian Academy was honored by state and national representatives as the only Los Angeles County private school to be named a National Blue Ribbon School Award recipient.

On Friday, Nov. 20, 2015, over 200 Legacy Christian students, alumni and parents were joined by dignitaries such as Congressman Steve Knight, Assemblyman Scott Wilk, city of Santa Clarita Mayor Marsha McLean, SCV Chamber of Commerce CEO Terri Crain and representatives for California Senator Sharon Runner and Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich for a National Blue Ribbon School ceremony.

The event, which was held on the academy’s Valencia campus, featured a video update of Legacy Christian Uganda; speeches from Legacy students, alumni, parents, teachers and administrators; and award certificates presented by the dignitaries in attendance.

Legacy Christian Academy was the only private school in L.A. County, and one of four in the state of California as well as only 50 in the United States to earn a National Blue Ribbon School Award in 2015

In his remarks to the audience, Congressman Steve Knight explained how achieving the status of a National Blue Ribbon School was a very difficult thing to do.

“This takes endurance,” he said. “It takes buy in for teachers, parents and students.”

Later, he congratulated Legacy co-founders Tim and Donna Borruel for not just creating an exceptional educational program, but for changing lives. The congressman ended his remarks by promising special congressional recognition for each Legacy student.

Assemblyman Scott Wilk also took to the stage in honor of the academy, which boasts a student population of over 420.

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Wilk congratulated the Borruels for cultivating a school environment where you could so dramatically feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.

“Legacy is a place where students feel loved and challenged to excel beyond what they feel is possible,” shared Audrey Welch, the school’s Associated School Body chaplain.

“It’s the Disneyland of schools,” said first-grade Legacy teacher Heather Zorichak.

Co-founder and Legacy Superintendent Tim Borruel explained that their was no greater honor the school could have received.

He then gave credit for the award to parents, students, administrators and staff, saying, “Our school is only as good as our teachers. Their commitment to excellence is the heart and soul of Legacy.”

He concluded, “all the glory goes to God.”