Six Maryland Public Schools Receive 2016 National Blue Ribbons
U.S. Department of Education Honors All Six Maryland Nominees
BALTIMORE, MD – Six Maryland public schools today were selected as recipients of the U.S. Department of Education’s 2016 National Blue Ribbons.
The schools are:
• Arnold Elementary School, Anne Arundel County
• Pasadena Elementary School, Anne Arundel County
• George Washington Carver Center for Arts & Technology, Baltimore County
• Hereford High School, Baltimore County
• North Harford Elementary School, Harford County
• White Marsh Elementary School, St. Mary’s County
U.S. Education Secretary John B. King announced the Blue Ribbon recipients today in Washington DC. Now in its 34th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this coveted award on fewer than 8,500 schools. On Nov. 7 and 8, the Department will formally recognize the 279 public and 50 private schools at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Secretary King said the new National Blue Ribbon Schools stand “as shining examples for your communities, your state, and this nation.” He added that the newly honored schools are “proof that we can prepare every child for college or a meaningful career.”
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. The award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools flag gracing a school’s building is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. National Blue Ribbon Schools are an inspiration and a model for schools still striving for excellence.
Maryland announced its nominees as State Blue Ribbon winners last December. The schools were selected on the basis of rigorous State and national requirements for high achievement and significant improvement. The students in each of these schools are high achievers in reading and mathematics, and several of these schools also serve a significant number of economically disadvantaged students and students for whom English is a second language.
With underwriting and gift sponsors, each Maryland school has received a Maryland Blue Ribbon Flag, a $2000 monetary prize, $1000 of office supplies, interactive technology equipment, and a school Congratulations Party. Underwriting sponsors include BGE, Comcast, Dimension U, Mrs. Fields, NTA Life, Rudolph’s Office Supply, SMART Technologies, and State Farm Insurance.