Three New Hampshire schools receive National Blue Ribbon awards

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Education is pleased to announce that three New Hampshire schools have been awarded as 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools. Enfield Village School in Enfield, Hanover High School in Hanover and The Birches Academy of Academics and Art Chartered Public School in Salem were named to this esteemed list of schools being honored for their exemplary teaching and learning.  

“These three schools deserve to be recognized for their high academic performance and ability to close achievement gaps, which is a testament to the dedication and commitment from their educators and students. This accomplishment embodies the excellence seen throughout many of New Hampshire’s fantastic schools, and we applaud their accomplishments,” said Frank Edelblut, education commissioner. 

Enfield Village School, Hanover High School and The Birches Academy of Academics and Arts are among a group of 297 schools throughout the country to be recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools. 

“We are honored to be named a National Blue Ribbon School. We’ve just kicked off our tenth year, and it’s humbling to have a decade of dedication and commitment recognized at the national level. Our talented teachers are the driving force behind this achievement,” said Chris Smith, Dean of School at The Birches Academy. “Knowing that kids have different talents and strengths, our teachers partner with their students to meet every child where they’re at. We empower our students to be agents of their own education.” 

Emphasis is also placed on creating good citizens and building on students’ confidence both in the classroom and while participating in other school activities, according to Smith, who recognized and thanked the community of families that helped the school earn this newest accolade. 

Julie Stevenson, the principal at Hanover High School, said, “The staff and students of Hanover High School are very deserving of this award, and it is a pleasure to work with all of them.” 

“We are thrilled to have attained this distinguished honor and to be recognized as an example for schools across the nation,” said Jamie Winny, principal at Enfield Village School. “Achieving this award would not have been possible without support from our entire community, including our staff, our public safety officials, parents and so many more. They all collaboratively work to create a rich and welcoming learning environment for our students.”