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Brentwood Middle and Walnut Grove Named National Blue Ribbon Schools

Published September 28, 2016

Two Williamson County schools are earning national attention for overall academic excellence.

The U.S. Department of Education announced September 28 that Brentwood Middle and Walnut Grove Elementary are 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

“Two of the six schools in Tennessee to receive this honor are Williamson County schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney. “This is a major achievement, and I am so proud of the students and staff at Brentwood Middle and Walnut Grove. As a district, we now have nine schools to reach this milestone, including eight in the last five years.”

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools that are either high-performing or have improved student achievement to high levels. The program sets a standard of excellence for all schools striving for the highest level of achievement.

Walnut Grove Elementary School Principal Dr. Kate Donnelly says this would not have been possible without the commitment of all the students, staff and parents.

“We are delighted and honored to be recognized as a 2016 Blue Ribbon School,” said Donnelly. “The Blue Ribbon signifies the hard work and dedication of our talented faculty, the ongoing support of our parents and community, and the exceptional spirit of our wonderful students.”

For Brentwood Middle, this is the second time the school has received this honor. BMS Principal Dr. Brandon Barkley says he couldn’t be more proud of his students and staff.

“We truly are humbled and honored to be recognized as a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School,” said Barkley. “This means a lot to the entire Brentwood Middle Community, as we take great pride in our longstanding tradition of academic excellence, and our relentless commitment to meeting the needs of each individual student. I am grateful to be a part of Brentwood Middle School and have the opportunity to serve this great community.”

Brentwood Middle and Walnut Grove will be honored during a recognition ceremony November 7-8 in Washington, D.C. Fewer than 8,500 schools nationwide have received Blue Ribbon Awards in the program’s history.

Grassland Middle was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2004; Brentwood Middle received the award in 2006; Page High won the award in 2011; Hillsboro, Kenrose and Trinity received the award in 2014; and Clovercroft and Ravenwood won the award in 2015.