[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 26, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S2884]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SHERMAN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL, A 1996 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL OF 
                               EXCELLENCE

  Mr. ROCKEFELLER Mr. President, I want to take this 
opportunity to recognize Sherman Junior High School of Seth, WV. This 
institution was recently selected as a 1996 National Blue Ribbon School 
of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education. It was 1 of 6 
secondary schools in my State to garner this prestigious award, and 1 
of only 216 public schools from throughout the United States to get 
this recognition.
  Sherman Junior High School's motto is ``We believe, we achieve, we 
succeed.'' It is thoughtful, provocative and obviously works. For if 
believing in yourself defines your ability to succeed, let me share 
with everyone a little taste of the tremendous feats this school has 
accomplished.
  Sherman Junior High School is nestled in a remote southern portion of 
my State in Boone County, a rural Appalachia county in our legendary 
coal fields. The geography of this region is challenging. The coal 
industry dominates the local economy and has a history of sporadic 
employment which affects the families and the community greatly, 
including school enrollment and student attendance.
  There are more than 200 students enrolled in Sherman Junior High 
School and most of them have to be bused over narrow, rough roads 
within a 20-mile radius of the school. Many ride these buses for almost 
an hour each way, and more than half of the students qualify for free 
or reduced lunches. Because these students live in a rural, isolated 
area, the school is their primary center for most activities ranging 
from cultural events to sports which are crucial activities to help 
young people make the transition into adulthood.
  Under the leadership and support of Principal John Hudson, the 
creative staff of Sherman Junior High shared their facilities with the 
local high school, but maintained their autonomy with a separate 
administration and faculty. This gives the students a sense of 
community, while also having access to more facilities and high school 
programs for students ready to accept more challenging programs. For 
example, many junior high students have an opportunity to learn basic 
computer and word processing skills. They can also take advanced 
academic classes, like a foreign language. Having enhanced 
opportunities obviously makes a difference in the lives of these young 
people, because almost 70 percent of the students of Sherman Junior 
High School score above the 50 percentile on their annual CTBS tests.
  This is a time when public education faces many challenges--dwindling 
resources, intense public debates over the proper role of public 
education, and integrating new technologies into schoolrooms and 
teaching. Sherman Junior High is a school that is facing such 
challenges. The enthusiastic and caring teachers and administrators are 
committed to providing our students with the quality education. As a 
National Blue Ribbon School, Sherman Junior High is a role model on how 
teachers, administrators, parents, and students can come together and 
create an educational environment that helps young people excel. Every 
member of Sherman Junior High School should be proud of the 
accomplishments achieved. It is my pleasure to publicly congratulate 
this school for its community spirit and academic success. I know this 
school will keep up the good work, and continue to represent West 
Virginia proudly.

                          ____________________