[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 11, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E88]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E88]]
 TRIBUTE TO THE HERITAGE SCHOOL OF NEWNAN, GA, ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 
                            25TH ANNIVERSARY

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                            HON. MAC COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 11, 1995
  Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to 
rise today and pay tribute to an outstanding educational institution 
located in Georgia's Third Congressional District. On November 22, the 
Heritage School of Newnan, GA, celebrated its 25th anniversary.
  The Heritage School was founded in 1970 to create an outstanding 
educational alternative for the families of Newnan and the surrounding 
areas. Renowned for its emphasis on family involvement in the 
educational process, the Heritage School prospers through intense 
communication between teachers, students, and parents. In fact, the 
parent conferences at the Heritage School are led by the students. This 
highly innovative method allows students to analyze their scholastic 
progress, outline areas needing improvement, and share with both parent 
and teacher the steps that will be used to achieve the goal.
  Stressing personal growth as well as academic excellence is evident 
in the Heritage School's Bigs/Littles program. This program is designed 
to foster social and academic relationships between the students 
ranging from age 3 to 18. The Bigs/Littles program provides younger 
students an opportunity to have older, more experienced students as 
role models. In turn, older students have a sense of duty to look after 
the well-being of their little friends. The Bigs/Littles program at the 
Heritage School fosters respect, trust, and friendship throughout the 
students' lives.
  The Heritage School prepares students for success in college and life 
by encouraging and demanding academic excellence. The fact that 98 
percent of the Heritage School graduates attend college, and 92 percent 
of those graduate from college with their entering class, illustrates 
the success of this educational institution.
  The success of the Heritage School is deeply rooted in its three-part 
educational philosophy. First, students must become involved and 
develop a strong desire to participate in their own education and in 
the life of their school. Then, students need to experience genuine 
success in an academic area or activity. Finally, students are 
encouraged to strive toward excellence, develop the ability to tap 
their deepest personal resources, and interact meaningfully with 
others.
  Mr. Speaker, at a time when the education of America's youth is under 
constant attack, I am honored to have an institution in my district 
that continually produces outstanding young individuals. I ask my 
colleagues to join me today in recognizing the achievements of the 
Heritage School on its 25th anniversary and encourage this institution 
to continue to uphold what has become the standard for academic 
excellence in Georgia.


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