Westwood HS Earns Blue Ribbon

 

WESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL NAMED 2012 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON HIGH SCHOOL

School to be honored at November ceremony by US Secretary of Education

 

WESTWOOD, Ma. (September 10, 2012) - Westwood High School was named a 2012 National Blue Ribbon High School by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on Friday, September 7.

 

The school is one of just 38 high schools nationwide to be identified as “Exemplary High Performing," a designation reserved for schools that are among their state's highest performing schools, as measured by state assessments or nationally-normed tests. As the name suggests, earning Blue Ribbon status is the highest honor a United States school can receive from the U.S. Department of Education.

 

"The entire Westwood High School community is thrilled about earning Blue Ribbon status," said Sean Bevan, Principal of Westwood High School. "It’s an extraordinary achievement that speaks to our students’ dedication, our faculty and staff’s expertise and commitment to their work, and our families’ support of education. Our students, along with their teachers, are committed to preparing for future success in college and careers; this award is a powerful reminder of the importance of that hard work."

 

Westwood Superintendent John J. Antonucci commented that while the Blue Ribbon designation is a reflection of a high-quality school system, it is also a reflection of a high-quality community.  “The residents of Westwood share our commitment to excellence and have a long tradition of supporting their public schools.  We value and appreciate that support and work hard to ensure that all Westwood students receive a first-class educational experience.”

 

Principal Sean Bevan, along with a teacher from the WHS faculty, will represent the students and staff at a recognition ceremony on November 12-13 in Washington, D.C. He said, “The event will be a proud moment to celebrate a school culture and climate that strives to nurture and support the success of all of its students. I am honored to accept the award on behalf of our students and staff.”

 

According the the Department of Education, “A total of 417 schools nationwide may be nominated [each year], with allocations determined by the numbers of K-12 students and schools in each jurisdiction.” This year, 219 public and 50 private schools from all grade levels will be awarded National Blue Ribbon status. Westwood High School is one of 47 public and private high schools earning the designation: WHS and 38 others are designated as “Exemplary High Performing”, while nine others are recognized as “Exemplary Improving".

 

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