Story Category: Local Schools »

The Department of Education announced the 2012 Blue Ribbon Schools on September 7, 2012. One of those 269 nationwide schools is the only St. Mary’s County School to make the list, Father Andrew White, S.J. School in Leonardtown.

According to the Department of Education, the National Blue Ribbon Schools award honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students’ levels of achievement.

The program recognizes schools in one of two performance categories; “Exemplary High Performing” and “Exemplary Improving."

Schools recognized as “Exemplary High Performing” are recognized among their state’s highest performing schools, as measured by state assessments or nationally-normed tests. Those recognized as “Exemplary Improving” are schools that have at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds demonstrate that most progress in improving student achievement levels as measured by state assessment or nationally normed tests.

Father Andrew White is recognized as an “Exemplary High Performing” school.

Wednesday afternoon, students, staff, parents and distinguished guests gathered to celebrate this notable achievement.

 St. Mary’s County Commission President, Jackie Russell, Leonardtown Mayor Dan Burris, Maryland State Delegate] John L. Bohananm, Jr. and Archdiocese of Washington Deacon Bert L’Homme, superintendent of schools spoke briefly and presented Principal Mrs. Linda Maloney with proclamations. Delegate Bohanan also presented the school with a U.S. Flag that flew over the U.S. Capital.