Bethany Bump is reporting in the Times Union four regional high schools have earned the state's highest designation in recognition of their sustained academic performance and progress. Columbia High School in the East Greenbush Central School District, Maple Hill High School in the Schodack Central School District, Rhinebeck High School in the Rhinebeck Central School District and Shaker High School in the North Colonie Central School District were among 155 schools statewide identified as Reward Schools February 1, by the state Education Department. Reward Schools are schools with high academic achievement or with the most progress in the state. They also have no significant gaps in student achievement across various subgroups, like gender, race, economic background or ability status. "All of these schools serve as models to others in the state to inspire them to achieve a high level of accomplishment and improvement," said state Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia. Read the full story in the Times Union.