[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 11, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1568-E1569]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  A TRIBUTE TO TRINITY SCHOOL AT RIVER RIDGE BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL AWARD 
                                 WINNER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM RAMSTAD

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 11, 1996

  Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise Trinity School at 
River Ridge, located in my district in Bloomington, MN, for being named 
winner of the U.S. Department of Education's prestigious Blue Ribbon 
Award.
  The Department of Education could not have selected a more deserving 
school for this highly coveted honor. When it comes to a comprehensive 
and successful approach to excellence in teaching, student achievement, 
leadership, and parental involvement, Trinity School at River Ridge 
has, in just 10 short years since its opening, set a lofty standard.
  Mr. Speaker, this high distinction was well earned. Everyone at 
Trinity played a role in achieving this extraordinary level of 
educational excellence. Trinity was the only private school in 
Minnesota to receive the Blue Ribbon designation, and 1 of only 50 
private schools selected nationwide.
  Under the visionary leadership of a most remarkable man, Headmaster 
William Wacker, Trinity School has flourished. Always there for each 
and every student, William Wacker provides at all hours of the day a 
willing ear, an understanding shoulder, and a marvelous source of 
advice and encouragement.
  The board of trustees, under the leadership of Louis Grams and full 
of caring and committed individuals, has selflessly devoted the time, 
talent, and energy necessary to make Trinity School at River Ridge one 
of the best in all of America.
  Trinity School at River Ridge's special mission and educational 
approach are perhaps best described in the words of John Buri, a 
psychology professor at a private college in our area and member of the 
school's board of trustees: ``In a national educational system where 
acquisition of job skills is of primary importance, it is good to see 
recognition of an institution where truly human qualities are valued 
and where there is an effort to educate

[[Page E1569]]

the whole person. Trinity School is about the task of what is truly 
education.''
  Trinity School at River Ridge calls its approach ``An Education in 
Truth, Beauty and Goodness.''
  Forming a true community of learners through the active involvement 
of students, Trinity School at River Ridge has instituted a common, 
coherent, and integrated curriculum that helps students apply their 
knowledge more effectively. The constant evaluation of students at 
Trinity School is a critical part of this unique education. Students, 
teachers, and parents know where resources and energy need to be 
focused.
  This historic designation was accomplished through the pioneering and 
innovative contributions of a truly dedicated administrative staff and 
dynamic collection of committed teachers. Their deep and unwavering 
commitment to the students forms the foundation for a very special 
relationship with the young people at Trinity School at River Ridge. 
The teachers and staff have gone above and beyond all reasonable 
expectations to help kids.
  Mr. Speaker, another key ingredient in the overwhelming success of 
Trinity School at River Ridge has been the precedent-setting and 
inspiring level of involvement by parents. In this day and age when we 
in Congress hear so much blame being placed on the lack of 
participation by parents in their children's education, Trinity parents 
stand out as shining examples of the miracles that can happen when 
adults take the time to help out at their schools.
  But, Mr. Speaker, the No. 1 reason Trinity School at River Ridge has 
been chosen as a Blue Ribbon Award winner is its spirited students. 
This student body is focused in a most impressive way on real 
achievement and a relentless pursuit of the highest standards of 
excellence. The students have worked hard to create a safe, supportive, 
and drug-free environment. They have worked hard to establish a record 
of academic excellence across the board.
  From student leadership to participation in public service projects 
to help people in need in the community, from the heavy emphasis on 
scholastic achievement to the enthusiastic way they revel in the 
success of their classmates, the students of Trinity School at River 
Ridge deserve to claim this national honor as their own. The students 
at Trinity are the kind of young people any parents would be proud to 
call their own.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating everyone at Trinity 
School at River Ridge on a job well done and for setting such a 
powerful example of what can be accomplished by a school if everyone 
pitches in and strives to do their best.
  Today we salute Trinity School at River Ridge for proving that 
schools all across America can succeed if everyone puts their minds and 
hearts into the effort.

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