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CRISP COUNTY, GA -- Seven Georgia schools have been named National 'Blue Ribbon' winners by the U.S. Department of Education.

The award goes to schools whose students perform at high levels or who have made dramatic improvements in their achievement, particularly for low-income children.

The public schools are: Etowah High in Cherokee County, Gainesville High in Gainesville, Ila Elementary in Madison County, Johnson Elementary in Floyd County, J.S. Pate Elementary in Crisp County and Webb Bridge Middle in Fulton County. One private school, St. John the Evangelist Catholic School, in Hapeville also won the award.

About 300 schools were recognized nationally this year. The schools will be honored Nov. 15-16 in Washington, D.C.

The award has been given out annually by the Education Department since 1982.

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Online:

U.S. Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov

Georgia Department of Education: http://www.gadoe.org