[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 14 (Thursday, February 1, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            NATIONAL APPRECIATION WEEK FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, during this National Appreciation Week 
for Catholic Schools I would like to take a few moments to recognize 
the high quality and the hard work of the Catholic School System.
  Our thanks and praise should go to the Catholic Schools for their 
special efforts to put children first. In the midst of increased school 
drop-outs, illiteracy, teenage pregnancy, drug-abuse, youth violence 
and growing pressures on teenagers and children--Catholic Schools 
provide their students a safe and healthy environment for learning. 
These schools give pupils an advantage by helping them develop a solid 
moral foundation.
  In today's challenging society, mere words and good intentions are 
not enough. Catholic Schools' actions demonstrate their commitment to 
children. With a 99.98 percent graduation rate and 85 percent college 
matriculation rate, South Dakota Catholic Schools are proving that a 
solid combination of educational and spiritual guidance is the key to 
healthy living. In assisting pupils to build better lives, Catholic 
Schools reaffirm the value of life.
  Catholic Schools extend the lessons we try to teach children at home: 
respect and love of our fellow neighbors, respect of the individual, 
personal discipline, individual responsibility and concern for the 
larger community. Catholic schools reinforce these family values which 
are the key to strong communities. We want the best for our families, 
our communities, and South Dakota. We must work to put the best tools 
in the hands of the future--our children. The Catholic schools give 
students the tools to be responsible adults and concerned citizens.
  I want to thank all the individuals who have contributed to Catholic 
School Systems' continued success and growth--the teachers, 
administrators, and of course the parents, many being graduates of 
Catholic schools themselves. One special week each year is a modest way 
to pay special tribute and thanks to the Catholic Schools across our 
country for the service they provide to our communities and our future.

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