Michael McNeff, superintendent of Rugby High School, addresses students and community members during the Blue Ribbon ceremony Tuesday. He commended students and staff for the hard work they put in to earn this achievement.

Rugby High School has earned the most prestigious national school from the U.S. Department of Education, the Blue Ribbon Award. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes national public and non-public elementary, middle and high schools based on overall academic success.

On Tuesday, students and community members gathered in Charlie Hanneman Gymnasium at Rugby High School to celebrate the award, which was presented by Kirsten Baesler, state superintendent of Public Instruction.

“Our students here are getting what they need to become well-rounded North Dakota citizens. Rugby has demonstrated time and time again its unshakable commitment to encouraging strong families and celebrate learning in a setting for everyone,” Baesler said.

Others in attendance included Dustin Hager, president of the Rugby School Board, State Reps. Jon Nelson and Robin Weisz and Katherine Gladitsch, staff member for Sen. Kevin Cramer.