CUMBERLAND — Three Allegany County schools were recognized as Local Schools of Distinction this week, with each receiving an $1,100 check to use in its school library.

Frost and West Side elementary schools and Westmar Middle School were singled out as the top-performing schools, based on test scores and socio-economic data.

Westmar Middle School, where more than 40 percent of students are economically disadvantaged, scored in the top 10 percent of schools statewide on the Maryland School Assessment, administrators said.

“Teachers are the key to every success in the classroom,” said Westmar’s Principal Toby Eirich, who accepted the award Wednesday night during the Allegany County Board of Education’s business meeting. “Our teachers do a great job of maximizing the talents of our kids. They do it on a daily basis, and it’s my pleasure to watch them work.”

At Frost, 100 percent of students scored proficient in reading and math on the MSAs, a first for the school district.

“It is definitely a collaboration with the teachers, the students and the parents,” said Principal Kim Smith. “‘Maintain’ will have a different meaning this year, but we’re working hard and expect the same success.”

West Side Elementary, where at least 40 percent of students are economically disadvantaged, has demonstrated “significant gains” in MSA test scores over the past three years, school officials said.

“We are humbled. We are thrilled,” said John Logsdon, principal. “The kids and the teachers work so hard on a daily basis, and the atmosphere in our building is one of what we hope is welcome happiness.”

The awards were initiated three years ago to help the district identify schools eligible for a Blue Ribbon School nomination. The school board contributes $1,000 and Allegany College of Maryland contributes $100 toward the monetary prizes. Schools also receive certificates and a banner to hang in their entryways.

Contact Kristin Harty Barkley at kharty@times-news.com.