Morgan Academy was named a Blue Ribbon School by the Alabama Independent School Association for the 2008-2009 academic year.

Only 18 of the 60 AISA schools were selected for this honor. Morgan Academy was the only school in the Dallas County area to be honored.

“It’s certainly a feather in our cap that we’re the only local school that made it,” said Darrell Self, dean of instruction at Morgan Academy. “Morgan has always been one of the top academic schools in the state.”

Self submitted the necessary paper work for Morgan Academy to be eligible.

A school must meet certain criteria in order to be classified “Blue Ribbon.” High test scores, a staff that exceeds professional standards and a variety of extracurricular programs are some of the requirements. The school must also submit a video that highlights its appearance.

AISA Executive Director Don Oswald said a Blue Ribbon School is an all-around learning institution.

“It sets the school apart that they’re working toward excellence, not just to be average,” Oswald said. “You’re going that extra mile. They have to be a progressive school.”

Self, who has worked at Morgan for two years, said this is not a new accomplishment for the school.

“We were fortunate, and have been fortunate, to be a Blue Ribbon School winner for several years,” he said. “I would think that most every year in the last 10 years we’ve probably met it.”

Self said it boils down to having a hard-working faculty and staff.

“We’re fortunate to have a great staff,” Self said. “You can do a lot of things with great teachers and faculty members.”