On Wednesday, September 28, York Suburban High School was identified as a United States Department of Education (USDOE) National Blue Ribbon School under the category of Exemplary High Performing School. This is a prestigious and unique honor. This year, YSHS was one of just 54 public high schools nationwide and one of just 11 Pennsylvania public schools of any level to receive the honor. YSHS is also the first mid-state public high school to be recognized since Hershey High School was recognized in 1994-95. Dr. Ellis talked about the award: “I am so pleased that our high school could receive this recognition. While none of the student body or the faculty do this for awards, it is always great to have others recognize the outstanding work that happens at our school. I am privileged to work with such an outstanding staff and student body every day. This is truly their award.”
The USDOE explains the award and its purpose on its Blue Ribbon Website: “The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content.” What is most exciting is the designation opens up additional opportunities for our school system to dialog with other Blue Ribbon schools to share best practices and learn from each other as we all strive to continually improve our schools.
The recognition comes after the state recognized the high school for its outstanding test scores in February 2016. From there, the high school submitted an application to be fully recognized as a Blue Ribbon school. The school’s Blue Ribbon Profile Page can be accessed at National Blue Ribbon Schools . This page includes a link to the application and a brief description of what makes YSHS such an exceptional place.
The faculty first learned of the potential for recognition last spring and the entire faculty contributed to the application process by completing surveys and providing information regarding what makes York Suburban High School unique. The administration worked through the spring to complete and submit the application and learned in mid-September that YSHS would be recognized. Dr. Ellis shared the news with the student body and faculty via Newslink, the school’s TV Show, and then the faculty celebrated the accomplishment after school. Dr. Ellis will also visit each district school to share the celebration with them. He is presenting a customized “Blue Ribbon Feeder School” banner to each school to recognize the key role those buildings play in the development of the students. Dr. Ellis shared the community-wide nature of the award in his message to High School parents: “While the award recognizes our school, it is truly a district-wide honor and is shared with all members of the York Suburban community. Without the exemplary teachers in our elementary and middle schools who provide the outstanding foundation for our students, and without the tremendous support of our family and community members, such recognition would not be possible.” The District also highlighted the accomplishment at the October 14 home football game with banner presentation to members of the student body, faculty, administration, and school board. All attendees also received a magnet recognizing the accomplishment. York Suburban will also be formally recognized at the National Blue Ribbon School ceremony in Washington D.C. on November 7 and 8. Dr. Michele Merkle, YSSD Superintendent, Dr. Brian Ellis, YSHS Principal, and Mr. David Wickenheiser, YSHS Math Teacher, will be recognized and receive the award from the United States Secretary of Education, Dr. John King. They will also have the opportunity to network and attend workshops with other Blue Ribbon winners from across the nation. Dr. Ellis shared his excitement regarding the ceremony: “It will certainly be exciting to be in Washington D.C. to be recognized, but I am most looking forward to learning from colleagues at the many other outstanding schools across our nation.”
York Suburban will continue to celebrate the recognition throughout the upcoming year and looks forward to finding ways to utilize the honor to continue to grow and improve the school.
