[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 19 (Tuesday, February 13, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E195]]


            SALUTE TO CALIFORNIA'S RIO AMERICANO HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______


                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 1996

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with the U.S. 
Department of Education in saluting Sacramento, California's Rio 
Americano High School for recently winning recognition as one of our 
Nation's blue ribbon schools.
  I am proud to have such a model institution within my district. For 
many years, the school's administration, faculty, students, and parents 
have devoted their collaborative efforts toward the construction of a 
school and student body which exceeds local, State, and national goals 
for educating all of its students.
  Rio Americano's recognition is well-deserved and its students' 
phenomenal success underscores the positive results other schools can 
enjoy by adopting the principles of GOALS 2000: Educate America.
  As testament to its success, the school boasts a dropout rate of 0.3 
percent and students graduating from Rio Americano are extraordinarily 
competitive; 94 percent were accepted at the college or university of 
their choice in 1994.
  The proximity to the State capitol provides Rio Americano with a 
highly motivated, informed community with expectations of excellence in 
education and the willingness to become partners in the realization of 
that goal.
  Students take an active role in the setting of goals and priorities 
for the school, as well as discussions which address the implementation 
of these goals and priorities. This approach fosters the development of 
sound character, democratic values, ethical judgment, good behavior, 
and the ability to work in a self-disciplined and purposeful manner. 
The results are evident in the students' successful roles in a highly 
active student government, the operation of the school's radio and 
television stations, the production of the newspaper and yearbook, the 
planning of rallies and assemblies, the operation of clubs, and the 
chairing of meetings of student representative groups.
  Parents of Rio Americano students logged 8,837 volunteer hours at the 
school last year alone. They are actively involved in the development 
of programs, representing the interests of the community, and raising 
resources which enable the students to participate in enriching 
experiences within and beyond the classroom. As part of their extensive 
involvement, parents are responsible for the development and management 
of several model programs for facilitating the exit of seniors from the 
schools.

  Finally, the school is fortunate to enjoy the outstanding leadership 
of its principal, Dr. Ronald Uzelac and his dedicated faculty of 
educators. Together, they have structured the school to take advantage 
of the strengths of our community, creating and facilitating forums for 
staff, students, and parents to work together to examine, debate, and 
develop programs which draw upon these strengths.
  One such program gaining acclaim is Academia Civitas, a political 
academy which takes advantage of our location in the State capital by 
establishing a partnership with local political and educational 
communities. Students follow a specialized curriculum developed by 
study teams which prepare them to be politically aware citizens able to 
compete in and contribute to a global society. The academy requires 
community service, parent involvement, and an internship with one of 
the many volunteer agencies in our political community.
  The State of California has recognized Rio Americano's excellence by 
honoring the school three times with the Distinguished School Award in 
1988 and 1994 and the Sustained Achievement Award in 1990.
  Again, I would like to take this opportunity to salute the tremendous 
efforts on the part of Rio Americano High School's administration, 
faculty, students, and parents. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing this model public school and in wishing Rio Americano many 
years of continued successes.

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