FOREST HILL, MD — A Harford County elementary school has earned a national honor for fostering student leadership, cultivating a positive school culture and achieving strong academic success.
FranklinCovey Education, the organization behind the Leader in Me Program, has named Forest Hill Elementary School a 2026 Lighthouse Academic Honor Roll School.
The Leader in Me Program helps students develop leadership and life skills such as setting goals, managing their time, working well with others and taking personal responsibility.
Forest Hill Elementary School earned Lighthouse certification on June 18, 2025. Forest Hill Elementary School's ranking rose from the 84th percentile in 2025 to the 93rd percentile in 2026, meeting both standards.
At Forest Hill Elementary School, Principal Cheryl Shaw embraces the philosophy "if students can lead it, let them." Students are given opportunities to take ownership, share their ideas, make decisions, and serve in leadership roles through the Student Lighthouse Team, peer mentoring programs, and schoolwide initiatives.
Through the Student Lighthouse Team, students welcome visitors, support school events and help shape school initiatives. This helps them build confidence while fostering responsibility and learning leadership skills.
"I am so proud of the Forest Hill Elementary School community for earning this amazing honor," said Dr. Dyann R. Mack, superintendent of Harford County Public Schools. "Leader in Me teaches students essential leadership, life, and career-ready skills. At Forest Hill Elementary School, students have a real voice, and they take ownership of their learning in a culture built on acceptance and support. That work is preparing every student for the future and ensuring they are all Ready by Design."
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