"The best way to encourage educational excellence is to identify it, reward it, and disseminate the practices that lead to it," says Brenda Musilli, Intel director of education. "We hope these programs will inspire others."

Applications Open for 2005-2006 School Year
The John Stanford International School came to apply for the Schools of Distinction award through the recommendation of its grant committee. "We looked at the categories, at what makes our school work, what makes it unique, and how to articulate that. It's an honor to be recognized as a role model, and not just for other international schools. As lifelong learners we need to continue to see new things. This award program is a way other schools can see and benefit," says Karen Kodama, principal.

"Being a role model gives us an awesome sense of pride and responsibility," says Robert Cancro, principal of the Academy of Allied Health and Science. He believes applying for awards such as Schools of Distinction encourages self-reflection and honest evaluation-an opportunity to recognize strengths, correct weaknesses, and celebrate accomplishments. "In a society where education is under constant scrutiny, successes should be recognized, celebrated, and shared," he says.

Eighteen other recipients of the 2005 Intel and Scholastic Schools of Distinction award received $10,000 cash grants. The 20 winners also share prizes of curriculum materials, professional development resources, and software and hardware valued at more than $3 million.

Applications for the 2006 Intel and Scholastic Schools of Distinction awards are available at Schools of Distinction* where visitors can also find out more information on each winning school, and their programs and practices. The contest is open to K-12 public, private, charter, parochial, Department of Defense, and Bureau of Indian Affairs schools. The deadline to apply is January 5, 2006.