Oakdale High Named Blue Ribbon School For 2023

It’s one of six Blue Ribbon Schools in Maryland.Oakdale High School  (Photo from Oakdale High School’s website)Frederick, Md (KM) Six schools in Maryland have been chosen as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2023, and one of them is Oakdale High School in Frederick County.   The US Department of Education says this recognition is based on the school’s overall academic performance, or its work on closing achievement gaps.”We are thrilled for the Oakdale High community to earn this prestigious recognition,”: says Dr. Cheryl Dyson, Superintendent of Schools for Frederick County, in a statement. “Led by Principle Bill Caulfield, the Oakdale High community truly supports every student, and this recognition is indicative of the hard work being done in the school building every day;”Frederick County Public Schools says Blue Ribbon schools have achieved rigorous state and national requirements for high achievement and significant improvements which serve as the basis for this recognition. The  award honors public and private elementary, middle and high school  students who achieve high levels, or have made significant progress in closing achievement gaps.”This award is for every staff member and student who has graced the hallways of our amazing school,” says Oakdale High Principal Bill Caufield, in a statement. “From our humble beginnings as a school comprised of 600 freshmen and sophomores, to our current high school of almost 1700 students, leadership and excellence both inside and outside the classroom has been the hallmark of what we do. This honor recognizes the hard work and determination of OHS staff, students and the community.”Oakdale High will be honored among the other award winners at a ceremony in November in Washington DC.Other Frederick County Public Schools which have been chosen as National Blue Ribbon Schools in the past  are:*Urbana High in 2019*Urbana Elementary in 2018*Centerville Elementary in 2017*Kemptown Elementary in 2015*New Market Elementary in 2010*Windsor Knolls Middle  in 2002*Middletown Middle in 1998*Yellow Springs Elementary in 1994*Frederick High in 1993*Linganore High in 1993*Gov. Thomas Johnson High  in 1991*Middletown Elementary in 1990*Middletown High in 1987The other regional school  to receive a Blue Ribbon honor is Smithsburg Middle School in Smithsburg in Washington County.Other schools in Maryland receiving the Blue Ribbon Schools award are Stone Mill Elementary School in North Potomac in Montgomery County; Church Hill Elementary in Queen Anne’s County; Northeast Elementary in Cumberland in Allegany County; and Matapeake Elementary in Stevensville in Queen Anne’s County.The US Department of Education says 353 schools nationwide were recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools for 2023.By Kevin McManus