Saint Margaret Named National Blue Ribbon School

Saint Margaret School in Bel Air recently received a National Blue Ribbon School Award.

The U.S. Department of Education announced that Saint Margaret, along with two other schools, are among a select group of schools nationwide to receive the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award. The designation is the highest academic honor bestowed upon a school by the U.S. government.  

“The faculty, staff, the children, the community, the parishioners and the parents are all ecstatic,” said Saint Margaret principal Madeleine Hobik. “When we heard the news we were most humbled and honored to be acknowledged a National Blue Ribbon School.”

The Blue Ribbon program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools that are either academically superior or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement to high levels. 

Hobik said the celebration at the school has already begun. The campus has been decorated with blue balloons and ribbons, and the teachers are donning blue carnations. The students were treated to a blueberry muffin breakfast.

Saint Margaret will also hold a ribbon blessing at both the middle and elementary school Tuesday afternoon.

The general atmosphere around the school is one of celebration, Hobik said.

“The children work really hard. They achieve beyond the standards and are consistent in their performances,” Hobik said. “The faculty is very gratified that their hard work is acknowledged.”