Out of nearly 900 public schools in Michigan, on January 18, Rochester Adams High School was one of the 13 nominated schools to potentially to become a National Blue Ribbon School.

“This nomination was a complete surprise. Adams is the first public high school to be nominated in Michigan [since Michigan began participating in the NBRS program],” said Principal Kevin Cumming.

Rochester’s Brewster Elementary School and Hamlin Elementary School were also nominated for this award.

Created in 1982 by then Secretary of Education Terrell H. Bell, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is a government sponsored program designed to honor schools which have gone above and beyond in education.  As a nominee, Adams proves that their students and faculty are tireless workers as well as insatiable learners.

“This nomination is a wonderful recognition for the students and staff for all of their hard work and dedication,” said Cumming.

Ranked 17th in the state, a well-known fact among students, Adams continues to soar above their competing high schools with this nomination.  To become a National Blue Ribbon School, a school must be “high performing”, which entails being in the top 15 percent of all schools in the state. For high schools, a school must be in the top 15 percent of high schools in the state on the most recent graduation rate.

With an Advanced Placement class participation rate of 57 percent and a graduation rate of 100 percent,  Rochester Adams is a prime example of a school which fosters student achievement and encourages students to thrive.

“Adams has a culture of high expectations for students and the hard work and success of the students has a key factor that lead to this nomination,” said Cumming.

The Adams’ administration team will keep students and families updated on the nomination process.

“The nomination application is due at the end of March and we will find out if Adams is selected sometime over the summer or early next fall,” said Cumming.