Two area public schools were among seven statewide to be named Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. Trion High School in Chattooga County and Tunnel Hill Elementary School in Whitfield County both were singled out.

Other schools given the award were located in Dougherty, DeKalb, Cobb and Rockdale counties, as well as Atlanta.

Click here for the list of all winners

“These seven schools are outstanding examples of how high expectations and hard work can lead to outstanding student achievement,” said State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox. “These schools show that, regardless of a school’s size, geography or demographics, all students can achieve at high levels.”

The No Child Left Behind — Blue Ribbon Schools award distinguishes and honors schools for helping students achieve at very high levels and for making significant progress in closing the achievement gap.

In 2008, Rome’s East Central Elementary School was honored.