West Branch High School is a Blue Ribbon school

Staff report

BELOIT

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognized West Branch High School as a National Blue Ribbon School — one of four Ohio high schools to earn the award.

To be considered for the honor, Principal Brian Coffee submitted a summary to the United States Department of Education explaining why the school is an excellent place to learn and achieve.

He mentioned its 96 percent graduation rate, as well as meeting 100 percent of the objectives that measure the “closing the achievement gap” element for school ratings.

All the staff members at West Branch High School are highly qualified teachers; all possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree; and nearly 72 percent hold master’s degrees.

Coffee explained how the school is a focal point for the community because of the many community organizations that support the school as well as students and staff who volunteer in the community.

National Blue Ribbon Schools are public and private elementary-, middle- and high-schools chosen based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

More than 7,500 of schools across the country have been presented with the award.

“We are excited to be one out of 48 high schools across the country and one of four schools in the state of Ohio to receive this award,” Coffee said in a news release.