From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today recognized five Alabama schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2020. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
“Congratulations to this year’s National Blue Ribbon School awardees,” said Secretary DeVos. “It’s a privilege to recognize the extraordinary work you do to meet students’ needs and prepare them for successful careers and meaningful lives.”
According to a Thursday announcement from the U.S. Department of Education, 317 public and 50 non-public schools have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools this year, including five from Alabama.
The following Alabama schools were recognized:
City School Name
Madison Bob Jones High School Madison City School District
Heflin Cleburne County Ele. School Cleburne County Sch. Dist.
Trussville Hewitt-Trussville High School Trussville City School District
Rainbow City John S. Jones Elementary School Etowah County School District
Huntsville New Century Technology H.S. Huntsville City School District
The U.S. Department of Education invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by The Council for American Private Education (CAPE).
Each of the 367 National Blue Ribbon Schools, including Hewitt-Trussville High School, will be recognized at a virtual awards ceremony on either Nov. 12 or 13.
“While we regret not having the opportunity to celebrate in person, given the current situation regarding COVID-19, we will celebrate the 317 public and 50 non-public school honorees in the ways that we are able, and they will each receive their plaques and flags via mail,” read a release from the U.S. Department of Education.
