HAGERSTOWN, MD (September 29, 2015) – Smithsburg High School, named a Maryland Blue Ribbon School in December 2014, has earned the honor of 2015 National Blue Ribbon School, as announced by the U.S. Department of Education. U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced the news in a video message to each honored school this morning. Smithsburg High was one of six schools to earn state honors and each school was also named a National Blue Ribbon School today. Smithsburg is the only high school to receive 2015 state and national Blue Ribbon recognition.

Criteria for consideration include a high level of student achievement on high school assessments, participation and performance on Advanced Placement (AP) tests, the school’s expansion of AP offerings and continuous efforts to create a more rigorous and higher level academic environment through innovative programs like the Smithsburg Academic Leadership Team (SALT) and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID).

Dr. Clayton Wilcox, superintendent of Washington County Public Schools, expressed pride in the Smithsburg High School staff and students and Smithsburg community. Wilcox said, “The Smithsburg community is to be commended for its support of education. National Blue Ribbon honors are only given to schools where high achievement is reached through the hard work, dedication and creativity of the students and staff, and Smithsburg High School has certainly earned it.”

Smithsburg High School principal Michael Chilcutt said, “The students and staff bring a positive attitude about learning to school every day and never shy away from challenges. We are proud to be part of a Smithsburg community that places a high value on education.”

National Blue Ribbon Schools will be honored in Washington, DC on November 9 and 10, 2015.