S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, issued the following statement after Maryland was ranked number one in the nation for student Advanced Placement exam achievement and participation:

“The good news just keeps on coming! Just a few weeks ago Maryland’s public school system was ranked best in the nation by Education Week. Today our students are recognized again for their hard work, dedication and commitment in the classroom. 

“The College Board report, released today, rated Maryland best in the nation for student AP achievement.  Our state also ranked first for having the highest percentage of seniors—more than a third—who had taken at least one AP exam. What an honor. 

“This award is a credit to the work of Gov. O’Malley, State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick, the Maryland State Department of Education, our teachers, and – most importantly – Maryland’s students. And we know that it’s mom and dad who are standing by those students, working hard and giving them great examples on the value of education. Thank you all for all you do. As Maryland high schoolers work hard to get college-ready, I will keep working hard in the United States Senate to ensure they have access to a higher education that’s affordable and a degree they can count on.”