WHEREAS, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan named W.S. Harlan Elementary School in the Covington County School System as a 2009 Blue Ribbon School; and

WHEREAS, the Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools that are either academically superior or have made dramatic gains in student achievement and helped close gaps in achievement among minority and disadvantaged students; and

WHEREAS, 314 schools were selected nationwide for the Blue Ribbon Schools award, which is one of the most prestigious education awards in the country; and

WHEREAS, Blue Ribbon Schools will be honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., November 2-3, and will receive a plaque and a flag to signify their Blue Ribbon School status; and

WHEREAS, Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models for other schools throughout the nation:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby commend the faculty, staff, students, and parents of W.S. Harlan Elementary School on achieving the status of U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School in 2009.

Done this 8th day of October 2009.