Annapolis, Md.—Southern High School was named a National Blue Ribbon School by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, becoming the tenth county school and first county high school to receive the prestigious honor.
The 1155-student school in Harwood was one of 10 Maryland public and private schools and 314 schools nationwide to receive the honor.
“Words cannot describe how proud I am of our students, our parents, our staff, and our entire school community,” said Southern principal Maryalice Todd, whose school was named a Maryland Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in December. “We are truly proof that a small school with a big heart can do huge things.”
National Blue Ribbon Schools are awarded based on one of two criteria: the ability of schools with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds to dramatically improve student performance to high levels on state tests; or schools whose students, regardless of background, achieve in the top 10 percent of their state on state tests. To be eligible, schools also must meet Adequate Yearly Progress in reading and mathematics.
“I just can’t say enough good things about what the entire Southern community has done for its students,” schools Superintendent Kevin M. Maxwell said. “This honor is a reflection of how schools and their community partners can collaborate to achieve great heights. This award goes not only to Southern High School, but to all the schools in the Southern cluster that provide excellent educational opportunities for all their students.” In addition to Southern, Benfield, Bodkin, Broadneck, Folger McKinsey, Jones, Mayo, Oak Hill, and West Annapolis elementary schools and Severna Park Middle School have earned National Blue Ribbon distinction.
Southern High School will be honored by Secretary Duncan at an awards conference in Washington, D.C., on November 2 and 3, 2009.
The 1155-student school in Harwood was one of 10 Maryland public and private schools and 314 schools nationwide to receive the honor.
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