Poland High gets national acclaim

Photo

Poland Superintendent Dr. Robert Zorn

By Ashley Luthern

aluthern@vindy.com

POLAND

The federal government recognized Poland Seminary High School as a Blue Ribbon School on Thursday.

The school was one of four high schools — among the total 14 public schools — nominated by the Ohio Department of Education for the national program.

Of the 14 Ohio schools, 12 earned the award — and Poland is the only one in the Mahoning Valley.

Schools are chosen based on achievement scores, student attendance and graduation rates, said Poland Superintendent Robert Zorn.

“Just because you’re nominated doesn’t mean you’re going to get it. ... These are the top schools, and that makes it very competitive. We’re very happy,” Zorn said.

Dobbins Elementary School in Poland was designated a Blue Ribbon School about five years ago, he added.

“I think the Poland community should be very proud to have a Blue Ribbon School, which is national recognition,” Zorn said.

Representatives from the school likely will travel to Washington, D.C., to accept the award, he said.

Ohio has 802 public high schools, according to the website ohio.educationbug.org.