Central High, 6 elementaries bring federal honors to Pa.

By Kristen A. Graham and Mari A. Schaefer, Inquirer Staff Writers
Posted: September 16, 2011

Central High School won its second U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon award Thursday.

It was the only high school in Pennsylvania to win the honor. Six local elementary schools - all in the Pennsylvania suburbs - were also winners.

The award honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools for either high levels of student achievement or a narrowing achievement gap.

"America's long-term economic prosperity and civic engagement depends on our children receiving a world-class education," Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in a statement. "National Blue Ribbon Schools are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers. Their success is an example for others to follow."

Sheldon Pavel, president of Central - it uses that term instead of principal - said he was thrilled by the award.

"It acknowledges an incredible amount of constant, daily hard work on the part of teachers and on the part of kids," Pavel said. "It gives them affirmation that people outside of the building recognize the quality of what they've done."

Noting that Central was the only high school in Pennsylvania to receive the honor, Pavel said: "It's a nice thing for Philadelphia."

Central, which was cited for its high levels of student achievement, last won the award in the 1986-87 year. Back then, Pavel, who has been at the magnet school since 1984, shook President Ronald Reagan's hand in the Rose Garden.

In addition to Central, the other local winners are: Coebourn Elementary School, Brookhaven; Corpus Christi Catholic School, Lansdale; Nativity of Our Lord School, Warminster; New Eagle Elementary School, Wayne; Pocopson Elementary School, West Chester; and Rose Tree Elementary School, Media.

Contact staff writer Kristen Graham at 215-854-5146, kgraham@phillynews.com or @newskag on Twitter. Read her blog, "Philly School Files," at www.philly.com/schoolfiles.

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