WHEREAS, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan named Thelma Smiley Morris Elementary School in the Montgomery County School System as a 2011 Blue Ribbon School; and

WHEREAS, since 1982, more than 6,500 of America's schools have received this coveted award that honors those that reflect the goals of high standards and accountability; and

WHEREAS, the Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools that demonstrate overall academic excellence or show success in closing achievement gaps; and

WHEREAS, 305 schools were selected nationwide for the 2011 Blue Ribbon Schools award, which is one of the most prestigious education awards in the country; and

WHEREAS, the Blue Ribbon Schools will be honored at a conference and awards ceremony November 14-15, 2011, in Washington, D.C.:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby commend the faculty, staff, students, and parents of Thelma Smiley Morris Elementary School on achieving the status of a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School in 2011.

Done this 10th day of November 2011