Western named Maryland Blue Ribbon School

blue ribbonWestern was chosen as a "Maryland Blue Ribbon School of Excellence" on December 18, 2008. This award, given to only two Maryland high schools this year, is made to schools that are among the top 10 percent of state schools as measured by student performance on state assessments or to schools that improve dramatically while serving an economically disadvantaged school population. Western was cited for both distinctions, and will now compete in the National Blue Ribbon Schools Competition.

Principal Eleanor Matthews responded to the award with a statement noting the contributions of the entire Western family:

"Western High School's selection as a Maryland Blue Ribbon School testifies to the dedication of the entire Western community: students, parents, alumnae, community partners, and staff. In recent years, every part of this community has participated in extraordinary team efforts to support Western and its 165-year heritage of excellence in educating Baltimore's young women. Western girls are benefiting from increased expectations and requirements, the highest Advanced Placement enrollment in City Schools, new emphases on STEM and leadership, and diverse, extensive programs in Fine Arts and Athletics.

Active partnerships with Towson University, the University of Maryland, the University of Baltimore, Morgan University, Loyola College, Northrop Grumman, St. Paul's School for Girls, and others have both invigorated our students and involved them in college-level academic challenges. Western's teachers, support staff, and administrators have engaged in extraordinary teamwork and dedicated after-hours service to enhance Western's curricular and co-curricular offerings to students. Of course the greatest honor belongs to Western's students, whose hard work and ambitious academic goals reflect our motto, "Lucem accepimus, lucem demus" (We have received light; let us give forth light)."

View the press release from the Baltimore City Public School System and the announcement by State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick (a Western alumna).