Two Maryland principals today were named recipients of the U.S. Department of Education’s Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership.

Eleanor Mathews, principal of Western High School in Baltimore City, and Raymond Myrtle, principal of Highland Elementary in Montgomery County, were two of eight principals honored with the special award. Maryland is the only state in the nation with two honorees.

The awards were given to the principals by the U. S. Department of Education, together with the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Middle Schools Association, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The awards were presented today as part of the Blue Ribbon Awards Ceremony.

“These principals exemplify the strong leadership we are fortunate to have at many Maryland public schools,” said State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick. “The Maryland State Department of Education has placed a special emphasis on leadership development for one simple reason: I’ve never seen an outstanding school without an outstanding principal. These new honorees make us proud.”

The Terrel H. Bell Award, named for the former U.S. Secretary of Education, recognizes outstanding school leaders and the vital role they play in overcoming challenging circumstances. Principals nominated for this award are school leaders committed to fostering successful teaching and learning at their schools. They are principals who do whatever it takes to help their students meet high standards and are committed to the belief that in educating America's children, failure is not an option.

The Blue Ribbon Schools special leadership award in his name honors the memory of Secretary Bell and celebrates school leaders who follow his vision of an excellent education for every student.