[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 68 (Thursday, May 26, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   HONORING PERLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

                                 ______


                            HON. TIM ROEMER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 1994

  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, today the Department of Education announced 
the names of the 1994 Blue Ribbon School Award winners. I am especially 
proud of one particular name on that prestigious list, a school in my 
hometown of South Bend, IN: Perley Elementary School.
  You can learn a lot about Perley just by dialing their telephone 
number. When they answer--``Perley School, where children are our 
future''--do not think for a moment that this is simply a gimmick or a 
nice little bit of PR. For it is the credo and calling of the faculty, 
staff and families that make up Perley School. It is what sets them 
apart. It is the attitude that leads them to succeed.
  Led by an infectiously enthusiastic principal, Dr. Shelly Contreras, 
members of the Perley family recognize that their mission goes beyond 
dry lessons and books. They are there for the children, and all work 
together--parents, teachers, students and community--to bring up these 
children with knowledge, love, respect, and understanding. To quote 
Principal Contreras, ``to explore new ways to bring together our love 
for kids and our love for learning.''
  As a member of the Education and Labor Committee, I am frequently 
bombarded with a litany of our public school system's failures, and we 
do have problems. But, Mr. Speaker, there is a lot to celebrate in our 
schools, as well, and to look past these bright spots would be a sad 
mistake. Perley Elementary is one of our triumphs. I am proud and 
honored to represent them in this Congress. I congratulate the Perley 
Elementary School family and offer them and the other 1994 Blue Ribbon 
School Award winners my gratitude for their commitment to our children.

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