Watch CBS News

6 Maryland Schools Awarded Blue Ribbon Status

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--They're considered the best of the best this year. Six Maryland schools were awarded Blue Ribbon status Friday.

Andrea Fujii explains what that means for the students.

Children at Mount Washington Elementary are just some of the students at a newly awarded Blue Ribbon school.

State superintendent Dr. Nancy Grasmick presented the status to principals from around the state, including Mt. Washington.

"It's just a fabulous recognition of the parents' hard work, students' hard work, and commitment of the teachers," said Sue Torr, Mt. Washington principal. "Our school has been on an upward trend in achievement at both reading and math."

Winners include Severna Park High School, Towson High School, Oklahoma Road Middle, Lime Kiln Middle, Bel Air Elementary and Mt. Washington Elementary.

The winning schools were based on highest state and national requirements and most dramatic improvements.Each school will receive more than $7,000 in equipment and cash from the state and corporate sponsors.

"I have technology-driven teachers, so they will be excited," said Autumn Eirich, Bel Air Elementary principal. "It'll be used in the classrooms, instructional use. They'll be so excited."

Katie Blunt, a senior at Severna Park, is proud she'll have graduated from a Blue Ribbon school.

"I know that my basic education is firmly grounded," Blunt said. "I hope it'll take me far in college."

Since the awards were a surprise, some principals called their schools to fill them in.

"Congratulations, and you'd better be celebrating!" Eirich said.

The Blue Ribbon awarded schools will now go on to compete for the national awards, which will be announced next September.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.