Press Release

Cummings Congratulates Area "Blue Ribbon Schools"

(Washington, DC) – Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07) today congratulated the principals, teachers, staff and students of two schools in the Seventh Congressional District, on attaining “Blue Ribbon School” status.

Resurrection - St. Paul School of Ellicott City, led by Principal Karen Murphy and Hammond Middle School of Laurel under Principal Kerry McGowan, were the two schools named.

The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private schools that are academically superior or have shown dramatic improvement in student achievement to high levels, especially among disadvantaged students.  These schools serve as models for other schools throughout the nation and details of their achievements are shared on the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

“The jobs most important for the future of our nation are in these schools,” Congressman Cummings said. “For our country to continue to grow, to innovate and to thrive, we must have young people who can write, who understand math and science and who have a passion for learning that will last their entire lives. These schools have proven that we can produce those young people right here in Maryland.”

On Tuesday, September 15, 2009, U. S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan will designate more than 300 public and private schools across the country as 2009 Blue Ribbon Schools. The Secretary’s announcement will take place at a Blue Ribbon School in Montgomery County, Maryland. 

At the invitation of Secretary Duncan, the principal and one teacher from each school will be invited to Washington, DC for the November 2 and 3 awards Ceremony.  At the awards ceremony, each of the schools will receive a Blue Ribbon Schools plaque and a flag to signify its status.