Pender Early College High School accepts it award as a National Blue Ribbon School in Washington, D.C.
Pender Early College High School was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in Washington, D.C., on November 5 during an awards ceremony recognizing the 325 schools earning the distinction for 2021.
Principal Christie Brown, Social Studies teacher Daniel Sidor (the school’s longest serving teacher at 14 years) and Superintendent Dr. Steven Hill accepted a plaque commemorating the honor.
A flag of distinction will be sent to the school at a later date.
Pender Early College High School, which was named an Exemplary High Performing School, is the first school in Pender County to earn the distinction and is one of eight schools representing North Carolina in 2021.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our staff that helps meet the needs of every student,” says Pender County Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Hill. “The National Blue Ribbon School recognition is a huge honor for our entire Pender Early College High School community, and being the first school in district history to receive this recognition is quite the accomplishment. Our students, staff and families expect outstanding performance and collectively they are focused on achieving them.”
Pender Early College High School was one of 11 schools in North Carolina to have more than 95% of students earn grade-level proficiency scores ranking them at the top of the state.
Pender Early College High School is a school of choice. All students graduate in four or five years with a high school diploma and the opportunity to earn a two-year associate’s degree from Cape Fear Community College. Students are required to complete the Comprehensive Academic Portfolio consisting of four parts: Research paper, Presentation, Portfolio and Product. This includes a minimum of 150 volunteer community service hours, a 36-hour job shadowing/internship and participation in at least four educational seminars or camps.
Now in its 39th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has presented approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools.
