By Mark Hallum
Two schools in Queens were awarded Blue Ribbons from the U.S. Department of Education for holding standards worthy of national recognition and providing high student success rate.
Maspeth High School and MS 216, George J. Ryan School, in Fresh Meadows earned the recognition through academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps within student subgroups, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
“The mission of Maspeth High School has always been to establish ourselves as an institution of excellence by providing the highest possible quality of education to the students of New York City,” Principal Khurshid Abdul-Mutakabbir said. “We are humbled by this incredible honor, and we look forward to continuing to serve our students and their families for the foreseeable future.”
City Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza applauded the eight schools across the city that were awarded with Blue Ribbon status.
“Congratulations to the well-deserving New York City schools recognized with this honor today,” Carranza said. “We celebrate the students, staff, and families at our National Blue Ribbon Schools, and know they represent the amazing work going on at our 1,800 schools across the five boroughs.”
Now in its 36th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program allows 420 schools to be nominated each year and has so far awarded 8,800 schools, the U.S. Department of Education said in a press release.
“We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives,” U.S. Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said. “Congratulations on your students’ accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs.”
Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhall
