The Montgomery County Arts and Humanities Council, in conjunction with the Montgomery County Executive's Office, has announced that James Hubert Blake High School Principal Carole Goodman is the 2003 recipient of the "Achievement in the Arts and Humanities Award for Excellence."

The award, part of Montgomery County's Annual Excellence in the Arts and Humanities Awards program, is presented annually to an individual or organization that has made a major contribution to the cultural life in the county through the arts or humanities.

Five awards are given recognizing contributions in education, the community, corporate patronage, volunteerism and overall achievement.

Goodman received her award from County Executive Douglas Duncan at the 18th Annual Montgomery County Executive's Ball on December 8.

As Blake's principal since before its opening in 1998, Goodman's vision and leadership have been recognized as a driving force in Blake's success. The school's signature program in arts and humanities is recognized as a standard for school wide theme programs and has contributed to an overall positive school climate and rigorous academic program.

Prior to her tenure at Blake, Goodman served as the principal of Herbert Hoover Middle School and assistant principal at Colonel Zadok Magruder High School. She began her career as a visual art teacher at Blair, Damascus and Quince Orchard high schools.

"For those of us fortunate to work with Carole every day, this is a strong affirmation of what the Blake community already knows," said signature program coordinator Christopher Berry. "We have progressed and grown to be an academic community that values the arts and humanities, due in no small part to Carole's shared vision and tireless efforts."