Byram Hills High School was recognized nationally as a 2020 Blue Ribbon School.  This award was based on student achievement and Byram Hills' commitment to education.  Byram Hills is one of nine public high schools in New York State to receive this award in the "Exemplary High Performing" category.

The United States Secretary of Education recognized 367 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2020.

“Congratulations to this year’s National Blue Ribbon School awardees,” said Secretary Betsy DeVos. “It’s a privilege to recognize the extraordinary work you do to meet students’ needs and prepare them for successful careers and meaningful lives."

The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. Now in its 38th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed almost 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools.

“Byram Hills High School is so successful because of the alignment between the expectations of the community, the professionalism of the faculty, and the engagement of the students,” said Byram Hills Principal Mr. Christopher Walsh.  “This is a tremendous honor.”

The 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Ceremony will be held virtually on November 12th and 13th.

Byram Hills High School and Coman Hill Elementary School are proud to be recognized as Recognition Schools by the New York State Education Department. The honor recognizes schools that are high achieving under New York’s Every Student Succeeds Act Plan (ESSA). The designees represent 13% of New York State public schools.

“These are exemplary public schools that demonstrate that all students can achieve at high levels with the right support and resources,” Interim State Education Commissioner, Dr. Betty A. Rosa said. “Recognition Schools help to ensure equity for all children across New York State. The Regents and I are grateful to all of the teachers and administrators who, in a concerted effort with their school communities, are guiding our students toward success.”

Byram Hills High School Principal, Christopher Walsh, credits the faculty and staff along with the support from the parents and the community for this achievement.  “Our students receive so much support from our entire community.  I am glad that our faculty and staff are getting the recognition they deserve.  It is also a testament to the community for placing such a high priority on education.”

"I am so proud of the faculty and staff at Coman Hill,” said MaryBeth Crupi, Coman Hill Principal.  “They provide the youngest learners of Byram Hills with strong foundational skills so our students can have continued academic success. Their dedication to our students is so greatly appreciated!"

Each Recognition School will receive a certificate of recognition from the Commissioner.
 

Five Byram Hills High School Seniors have been named semifinalists in the 66th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program for 2021.

The students are Jordyn Bernard, Luke Briody, Talia Dinstein, Jared Ilan, and Kathryn Petlyuk.  

These students were selected among 16,000 semifinalists, nationwide, based on their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.  They will go on to compete for 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million. 

Over 1.5 million juniors from approximately 21,000 high schools entered the National Merit Scholarship Program. The nationwide pool of semifinalists represents the top 1.25% of United States high school test-takers.

Kristina Wilson, Byram Hills Guidance Department Chairperson, said, "This accomplishment represents years of both an excellent education and outstanding effort on the part of our students.”

“Our school community congratulates these five seniors for being named National Merit Semifinalists,” said Byram Hills Principal, Christopher Walsh.  “These students took the PSAT last October and so much has changed since that time.  I am very happy that they could still be recognized for this accomplishment and for having such a high achievement.”

These five students will have the chance to be considered as finalists for the National Merit Scholarships to be offered in the spring of 2021.

NMSC, National Merit Scholarship Corporation, is a not-for-profit organization established in 1955 to honor the nation’s scholastic champions and to encourage the pursuit of academic excellence.

On a hot day in June, bobcat spirit filled the air, as administrators, faculty, and staff stood along the front of H.C Crittenden Middle School and eighth-graders and their families drove by in a procession designed to honor the students. Cars were covered with balloons, banners, and messages of thanks for the HCC teachers.  Teachers cheered saying good-bye and good luck to the students as the line of cars drove by - a touching tribute to the class of 2024.

Later that evening, a more formal virtual Moving-Up Ceremony was held via live-stream.  It was here that Ms. Kim Lapple, Principal of H.C. Crittenden, addressed the graduates from the grade eight hallway and spoke of how this class built a community through “voice and choice.”  “We asked for honest feedback and respectful dialogue and you guys did just that. You had a genuine interest in bettering HCC and your actions have set a high bar for future classes.”

“We all know how important 20/20 vision is for the eyes to see clearly but know that this concept of 2020 vision applies to the lessons we have all learned during the 2020 school year,” said Ms. Lapple. “Never stop pursuing community building, creativity, or empathy. If you hold these life lessons close to your heart, your 2020 vision will be more clear and more powerful than ever.” 

Mr. Christopher Walsh, Byram Hills High School Principal, said “We were fortunate to have this class join us at the high school for orientation on March 10th, the last day the schools were open.  Now we have 175 days until you all become 9th graders and we can’t wait to have you with us.”  To conclude the ceremony, Mr. Walsh officially and happily accepted the class of 2024. 
 

The fifth graders and their families were invited to attend a virtual Moving Up Ceremony that opened with a message from Wampus Principal, Mrs. Peggy McInerney. She spoke of three important concepts for the students to remember.  “Trust in yourselves, stay connected, and don’t be afraid to fail. You will experience struggles that will make you stronger.”  She concluded by saying, “Always believe you are enough.  Be kinder and gentler to those around you by first being kinder and gentler to yourself.”  Mrs. McInerney’s inspiring words were followed by a poem read via zoom by the grade five teachers and a heartfelt message delivered by Tamara Leopold, the PTSA fifth grade coordinator.

Following the presentations was a slideshow featuring a Wampus memory from each student, with concluding remarks from Mr. David Mack, Wampus Assistant Principal.  He asked the students to reflect on their years at HCC. “Think about how you made Wampus a better place and the legacy you have left.  Cherish these moments. Consider your friendships, what you’ve learned, and be thankful.” 

To end the ceremony, the students heard from Ms. Lapple, Principal of H.C. Crittenden, who welcomed the Class of 2027 to HCC.  “I have been told that this class is outstanding and ready to make a difference as active learners and risk-takers. The Wampus Way has led you to HCC and we look forward to having you all join us in the fall.”

To follow the Moving Up Ceremony Wampus held a spirited procession that began with a sea of cars on parade, decorated in red and blue, to honor the fifth graders. Teachers lined Wampus Avenue holding signs of congratulations and cheering as families drove by honking, waving, and offering words of thanks to their Wampus teachers.  The energy and emotion could be felt by everyone.