U.S. Secretary of Education John King designated three Chester County schools as “shining examples” for others around the country, winners of the 2016 National Blue Ribbon, writes Kristen Graham and Martha Woodall for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Great Valley Middle School in Malvern, Holy Family School in Phoenixville, and Pickering Valley Elementary School in Downingtown were among 329 schools across the nation that were singled out for excellence.

Schools win the honor either for strong academic performance or for work in narrowing the achievement gap among groups of students.

This year’s honor is the fourth Blue Ribbon for Great Valley Middle School.

“It was neat to explain to the kids what this meant, to hear them cheer as they were acknowledged for what they bring to the table every day,” said principal Edward Souders. “It’s a reflection of our students and our teachers. They just work so hard.”

Click here to read more about the 2016 National Blue Ribbon schools in the Philadelphia Inquirer.