U.S Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recognized nearly 300 schools as 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools, including a handful of Hudson Valley schools.
 
Hillside Elementary School in Hastings is among the schools named as this year's Blue Ribbon School. 

"We made an announcement over the loudspeaker and you could hear big cheers coming from the classrooms," says Principal Amy Cazes.   

National Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized based on the school's overall academic performance in closing achievement gaps.

"This award really just shows that all of the hard work and dedication that our staff has put in, each and every day to each and every child has paid off," says Cazes.

Nanuet Senior High School also made the list.
 
"It just adds a lot of value to all of the wonderful things we've done together as a school community," says Principal Michael Mahoney.

Each school will be planning a celebration for their schools on this excellent achievement.

Other local schools on the list include, Horace Greely High School, Bronxville Elementary School and Croton-Harmon High School.

Awards will be given during a ceremony in Washington D.C. in November.