Three South Dakota schools were recently lauded by the U.S. Department of Education. Burke High School, Harding County High School and Stickney High School were among 304 schools throughout the nation designated as 2010 Blue Ribbon Schools. They will be honored at an awards ceremony Nov. 15-16 in Washington, D.C.

The Blue Ribbon award honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools whose students achieve at very high levels or have made significant progress and helped close gaps in achievement especially among disadvantaged and minority students. Stickney received the honor because of its high achievement levels, while Burke and Harding County received the honor because of progress made in closing achievement gaps.

The U.S. Department of Education has been recognizing Blue Ribbon schools since 1982.

Click here to view the national announcement.