By Judy Bass

Blue Hills Regional Technical School has received a major honor as part of the Boston Globe's Scholastic Awards, which go to schools with the best won-lost records in athletic competition.

For the third time, Blue Hills got the prestigious Markham Award for athletic excellence among vocational schools.

Established in 1997, the award is named for Walter Markham, a native of Lowell who initiated the state's regional vocational and technical high schools and served as president and treasurer of the American Vocational Association. The Markham award is based on the entire 2010 records and achievements the students have accomplished

The importance is that all the teams in the athletic program at Blue Hills won 52 percent of their games, therefore Blue Hills was selected as Division 2 Markham Award winners, according to Athletic Director Ed Catabia.

"This is a pretty remarkable feat," he said. "I believe that the Mayflower Athletic Conference is the largest in the state; the competition level is very, very high throughout this conference and throughout all the vocational schools as well.  BHR's athletic teams have been competitive with comprehensive schools as well as other vocational schools."

Catabia continued, "There are some very good and well-coached teams with in this conference, so for our student athletes to be honored with this award, BHR is most appreciative. This award relates to the hard work and dedication with which all of our athletic teams have demonstrated throughout the year, and also shows the competitiveness which the Mayflower Athletic Conference and the vocational schools have."

Assistant Superintendent / Principal Michael J. Barrett said, "What a great recognition! The coaches and players here at Blue Hills should be proud of all their accomplishments both on and off the field.  This award demonstrates hard work, dedication and a commitment to each other….the necessary ingredients that bring about success.  Congratulations to all at Blue Hills."