MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The U.S. Department of Education has named Middle College High School as a National Blue Ribbon School.
The designation awards the Memphis school for having a high level of achievement and having students who succeed regardless of background.
“This honor recognizes your students’ accomplishments and the hard work and dedication that went into their success,” Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in a video message to the awardees. “You represent excellence — in vision, in implementation and in results — and we want to learn as much as we can from you.”
This year’s list had 335 schools, including seven in Tennessee. MCHS is the only representative from southwest Tennessee and the Memphis metro area.
“We are committed to making a difference in the lives of our children, and we expect every child to succeed,” MCHS Principal Docia Generette-Walker said. “I credit our success to the outstanding group of educators who spend countless hours supporting our students each day.”
MCHS is categorized as an “Exemplary High Performing” school, which means it has achievement scores in the top 10 percent in its state.
MCHS will be honored for its accomplishments at a ceremony in our nation’s capital in November and will receive a $2,500 award.
The accolades aren’t just on the national level; the Tennessee Department of Education named MCHS as a Reward School after it ranked in the top 5 percent for academic achievement and student growth.
“These schools serve as a model of excellence across the state,” Tennessee Education Commissioner Candice McQueen said. “The students, teachers, administrators and parents in these communities have made thoughtful and innovative decisions to promote student learning and deserve to be recognized for this outstanding achievement.”