WINTON – The Hertford County Board of Education honored two of its best performing schools during their meeting Sept. 24.

During the recognitions portion of the agenda, the board offered congratulations to Hertford County High School and Hertford County Early College High School for their testing accomplishments in the 2011-12 academic year.

They also provided signs which will hang at the school recognizing their achievements. HCHS was named a School of Distinction with High Growth while the Early College was named School of Excellence with High Growth.

“At this time I have a special recognition for two schools,” HCPS Director of Student Services Frances Bazemore said. “These schools were recognized by the (North Carolina) Department of Public Instruction.”

School board Vice Chair Sheila J. Porter then came forward to present Hertford County Early College High School Principal Dr. Joanne Jones and HCHS Principal James Futrell.

“We do not take this lightly, Dr. Jones,” Porter said. “We are aware that you and your staff have worked very hard. We are very proud of your accomplishments.”

Then she turned her attention to Hertford County High.

“We know the administration and leadership is key, but the faculty, staff, parents and students have all worked toward this goal,” she said. “It takes years to get to this point and it is by trial and error.”

At the end of the meeting, several board members commented on the accomplishments of the two schools.

“First of all, I want to recognize Early College High School and Hertford County High School for a great achievement,” board member Dennis M. Deloatch said. “Let me just say this, you didn’t get there in one year. You didn’t get there with just one person or one method you tried. It took everybody. So, to all those who contributed, we say thank you and we wish you the very best.”

Board member John D. Horton also talked about the accomplishments.

“It is very easy to toot your own horn, but when external agencies start tooting your horn, it is worth recognizing with clarity,” Horton said.

Porter again added her thanks and said the schools should “toot their own horn.”