CHERRY — Excellent ... for five years in a row.

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and Northern Illinois University announced last week that 624 schools made the Illinois Honor Roll for their continued academic progress or excellence.

“These Honor Roll schools once again show us that rigorous standards, great instruction and lots of hard work improve student performance,” said Illinois State Board of Education Chairman Gery J. Chico. “Behind each school’s success is an untold story of extraordinary passion and dedication on behalf of administrators, teachers, parents and students. We commend each school and hope local community members will also celebrate their local schools’ success.”