Superintendent Hedalen Celebrates Montana’s 2025 National Blue-Ribbon School Awardees

• MT OPI
• October 15 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Superintendent Hedalen Celebrates Montana’s 2025 National Blue-Ribbon School Awardees 

HELENA, MT — For more than four decades, the U.S. Department of Education honored exemplary schools nationwide through the National Blue-Ribbon Schools program. While the Department has now retired the program to give states greater flexibility in celebrating excellence, the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) remains committed to recognizing schools that have earned this distinction. 

This year, Fairfield High School and Malta High School stand out for their exceptional commitment to student success. Though the national program is no longer awarding official designations, OPI is proud to acknowledge these schools for meeting the rigorous standards of achievement and improvement that once defined the Blue-Ribbon honor. 

“We are incredibly proud of Fairfield High School and Malta High School for receiving this national distinction,” said Susie Hedalen, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “These schools deserve to be celebrated for the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of their students, educators, and communities.” 

Paul Wilson Principal for Fairfield High school said "This recognition is a testament to the outstanding educators at Fairfield High School. Our teachers excel in their subject knowledge, their ability to connect with and engage students, and their commitment to holding students to the highest standards. This honor belongs first and foremost to them and to our dedicated support staff. We are also fortunate to have the steadfast support of our parents and community members. Without the community’s partnership, our work as educators would be far more challenging." 

Shawn Bleth Principal for Malta High school said "Malta High School is very proud to receive this recognition.  This award is truly a reflection of the professionalism and dedication of our teachers and staff, who work tirelessly every day to support and challenge our students.  At Malta High School, we strive to help every student rise to the challenge of reaching the highest standards while meeting the expectations of our community.  This honor belongs not just to the school, but to every student, teacher, staff member, parent, and community member who has played a role in building an environment where students can thrive."

The National Blue-Ribbon Schools Program, established in 1982, recognized schools that demonstrated high academic performance or made significant progress in closing achievement gaps.  While the U.S. Department of Education will no longer host a national recognition ceremony, Montana will continue to celebrate schools like Fairfield and Malta for their excellence and leadership in education. 

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Questions? Contact: 

McKenna Gregg, Communications Director

The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 711.