Maple Hill High School was named a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education on Sept. 28, the only school in the Capital Region to receive the honor. This recognition was awarded to 342 schools throughout the country and only 19 in New York State.
“This award is a great honor and a credit to the hard work and talent of our dedicated faculty, staff, and administration who work tirelessly on behalf of the students of our community. Without the support of parents, the Board of Education, and our community partners this achievement would not be possible. National Blue Ribbon recognition is a reflection of our community’s commitment to our schools and the priority it places on the value of education. We also would like to thank the State Education Department for nominating our school for this prestigious award, it is a true honor,” said Schodack Central School District Superintendent Jason Chevrier.
The National Blue Ribbon School Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards or make notable improvements in closing the achievement gap.
Maple Hill High School had a graduation rate of 99% in 2016, the highest in the Capital Region according to figures released by the New York State Department of Education in February.
“The National Blue Ribbon Award is a true testament to all that occurs at Maple Hill High School and the entire Schodack CSD and community on a daily basis. Caring faculty, staff, and community members surround all the students in the district. Students are pushed academically and socially and are given the freedom to not only excel but to make mistakes and learn from them. I am so proud to have been a small part of that culture where students come first and everyone looks out for one another,” said Ron Agostinoni, who was principal of Maple Hill High School for six years before leaving earlier this year to be principal of Shenendehowa High School.
“National Blue Ribbon Schools are active demonstrations of preparing every child for a bright future,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to the honorees. “You are visionaries, innovators and leaders. You have much to teach us: some of you personalize student learning, others engage parents and communities in the work and life of your local schools and still others develop strong and forward-thinking leaders from among your teaching staff.”
