U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today recognized Haywood Early College High School among 349 schools in the nation as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2018.  The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance.  The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.

“I’m pleased to celebrate with you as your school is named a National Blue Ribbon School,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a video message to the honorees.   “We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives. Congratulations on your students’ accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs.”

Now in its 36th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more than 8,800 schools.  On November 7-8, the Secretary and the Department of Education will celebrate with 300 public and 49 private school honorees at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.  Schools are nominated in two performance categories: (1) Exemplary High Performing Schools and (2) Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools.  Haywood Early College High School was selected in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category.

“We are incredibly honored to be named a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School,” said Principal Lori Fox.  “We have remarkably capable and hardworking students as well as a faculty that provides rigorous and innovative instruction every day.  We are going to celebrate this accomplishment and then get back to work.  We have not arrived.  In fact, we feel we are just getting started.”

“I am so proud of our early college high school,” said Superintendent Dr. Bill Nolte.  “They blend extremely high academic performance with activities designed to make the world a better place.  On Saturday, I saw many of them at the Power of Pink 5K race supporting breast cancer awareness and prevention.  Now that is a National Blue Ribbon School.”

Contact:         Dr. Bill Nolte, Superintendent