Hartselle High School is a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School, announced HHS Principal Jeff Hyche during the homecoming pep rally Friday afternoon.

School Superintendent Dr. Vic Wilson said he wanted to congratulate all of the people who have helped the system achieve this recognition, not only at the high school, but also at the three elementary schools.

“It is fabulous news for everyone,” Wilson said. “It’s a credit to all of the hard work by Mr. Hyche, the staff, Dr. Nancy Horton and the other principals who have already achieved the goal and helped Hartselle High School achieve it as well.”

Hartselle High School is the fourth school in the system to achieve the Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School award. Barkley Bridge, Crestline and F.E. Burleson elementary schools have already received the designation.

Horton said Hartselle High School achieved the standards in all but eight of the 135 categories analyzed by the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. School officials submitted plans to work to improve in those eight areas, which were approved leading to the designation.

“The Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence program gave us the highest level of achievement in their program,” Horton said. “We think we did an OK job of teaching. We believe we’re doing the right things, but it’s always great to hear that from an outside evaluation. Receiving this designation is an affirmation of what we have been doing to improve the level of education in our community.”