Seneca Valley Middle School is one of eight schools in the state this year to be named a Blue Ribbon award recipient by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

Duncan bestowed the award Friday on the middle school for being one of Pennsylvania’s highest performing schools based on state assessment tests.

The secretary recognized 269 schools across the nation during a press conference Friday.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools award is given to public and private schools where students perform at high levels or where significant improvements are made in students’ levels of achievements.

Those schools also are “committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers,” Duncan said in a press release.

Superintendent Tracy Vitale said Friday that she is pleased with the school being recognized with a Blue Ribbon award because it is an achievement that “demonstrates the kind of academic excellence that is my goal for this entire district.”

Andrea Peck, principal of the middle school, also praised the students and faculty.

“Our motto is ‘where teaming makes a difference’ and that truly is our secret to success,” Peck said. “Everyone is part of the Seneca Valley Middle School team.”