Mars High School became a U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School Thursday academic achievements made on state and federal tests.

ADAMS TWP — Mars Area High School was honored Thursday by the U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School Program.

“I'm so proud,” said Dr. Wes Shipley, district superintendent.

Schools that win a Blue Ribbon are recognized for their “overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups,” according to the U.S. Department of Education. More than 9,000 schools have won the honor since the program began in 1982.

Shipley said the high school was specifically recognized for its academic levels achieved through state and national testing.

“We were nominated by the PA Department of Education based on our student achievement numbers,” Shipley said.

There are many people who contributed to the achievement, according to Shipley. He praised teachers, students, administration, the board of directors and parents.

But he believes the two entities most responsible for the honor are high school students and teachers. “It truly belongs to them,” Shipley said. “The award is based on achievement, which is directly associated to teaching and learning.”

Shipley said the school will be presented with a plaque and flag at a special ceremony in Washington, D.C., at a later date.

Shipley said the district will celebrate being a Blue Ribbon school “every way we can.” The high school's accomplishment will be honored locally, although details have not yet been released.

While Shipley said the district should be — and is — proud of its achievement, it's sticking to its course of action. “This won't change our vision and daily effort for excellence for all,” Shipley said. “Our challenge now is to continue to meet this standard of excellence.”