A sea of blue T-shirts filled the schools' gymnasiums.

Students at Earlville, Iowa, and Resurrection elementary schools wore blue T-shirts in celebration of their school's 2009 Blue Ribbon Awards.

U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, celebrated the awards with students at school assemblies Monday. He presented each school with the Blue Ribbon plaque and a flag that had been flown over the Capitol.

"I'm so proud that I got a chance to celebrate with you," Braley said to those gathered at Resurrection in Dubuque.

Many of the students who gathered in the school's gym didn't quite understand the significance of the Blue Ribbon designation.

"They've had a hard time understanding what that means," said Marian Furst, Resurrection music specialist who helped the school apply for the designation.

The program, started in 1982, rewards schools with students who score in the top 10 percent in state assessments. Principal David Gross said Resurrection students consistently score in the top percentile on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills.

"It's an achievement of our academic work," Furst said. "It's more than just cake and ice cream."

Before the treats were served, local officials and Braley spoke to the crowd.

"When I found out about this amazing honor at Resurrection, I decided I had to do everything I could to make it here because it's such exciting news," he said. "But I also know that an award like this just doesn't drop down out of thin air. It's the result of a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication."

During his speech, Braley asked the teachers to stand and be recognized for their hard work and dedication. He also honored students.

"You have a great opportunity to get a great education at Resurrection," Braley said. "That's why I'm so glad to be here today."

Although the celebration has ended, the determination to continue education excellence has not.

"Today is all about celebrating the Blue Ribbon "| but tomorrow we begin again," said Jeff Henderson, superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Dubuque. "Tomorrow we roll up our sleeves and continue to make all of this happen at Resurrection."

Resurrection was one of 50 private schools and 264 public schools that received the Blue Ribbon Award. Earlville also was recognized as a Blue Ribbon school.

Braley began the day at Earlville, where students asked him questions and sang their school song.

"We are so honored and recognize that this is not a reward that belongs just with the school," said Principal JoAnn Swinton.

She said the honor belongs to the students, staff, teachers and families who have supported each other.

"It means a lot to our school," Swinton said. "It's something that we will treasure for a long time."