Westwood High School was named a 2012 National Blue Ribbon High School by US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on Sept. 7. The school is one of 38 high schools nationwide to be identified as “Exemplary High Performing,’’ which designates the states’ highest- performing schools, as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Earning Blue Ribbon status is the highest honor a school can receive from the Department of Education. “It’s an extraordinary achievement that speaks to our students’ dedication, our faculty and staff’s expertise and commitment to their work, and our families’ support of education,” said Principal Sean Bevan. Superintendent John J. Antonucci said the designation also reflects on the community. “The residents of Westwood share our commitment to excellence and have a long tradition of supporting their public schools,’’ he said. Bevan and a teacher from the high school will represent the school at a November ceremony in Washington, D.C.