Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence CEO Judy Warden presents Cullman County School System and Superintendent Shane Barnette the nation's first Lighthouse Blue Ribbon Superintendent recognition.

Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette has been named the nation’s first Lighthouse Blue Ribbon Superintendent.

Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence CEO Judy Warden presented Barnette with the recognition at Tuesday evening’s board meeting.

The Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award recognizes schools for providing safe and welcoming schools where students master engaging and challenging content, she said.

Schools that are named Blue Ribbon Schools receive a flag to fly that shows off that honor, but Barnette is the first superintendent in the country to receive a flag of his own, Warden said.

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