Shoreham-Wading River High Named Blue Ribbon School

SHOREHAM-WADING RIVER, NY — Shoreham-Wading River High School was one of 362 schools nationwide — and one of only 19 schools in New York State — recognized as a Blue Ribbon School for 2019, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced Thursday.

The distinction is the second time the school has been honored, being one of the early honorees in the 37-year-old program as a 1987 to 1988 Blue Ribbon School, school officials said.

“This honor points to the collaborative efforts of our administrators, teachers, students, families and larger community in helping to encourage, engage and educate students who graduate from our high school as productive members of society,” said Shoreham-Wading River High School Principal Frank Pugliese.

The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content, a release announcing the winners said.

In her remarks via a video message to the honorees, DeVos stated the school's important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives.

“As a National Blue Ribbon School, your school demonstrates what is possible when committed educators hold all students and staff to high standards and create vibrant, innovative cultures of teaching and learning,” she said.

The Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, student subgroup scores and graduation rates, the release said. Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests, while Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.

Now in its 37th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more than 9,000 schools. On November 14 and 15, the Secretary and the Department of Education will celebrate with 312 public and 50 non-public school honorees at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by The Council for American Private Education.