[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 11, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S5548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  MICHIGAN'S 1997 BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today in tribute of seven 
truly exceptional educational institutions in my State of Michigan. On 
Friday, May 23, the U.S. Department of Education announced the 
recipients of the 1997 Blue Ribbon School Awards. It gives me great 
pleasure to recognize today before my colleagues each of these schools 
and commend them on this prestigious award.
  To be named a blue ribbon school is no small achievement; it requires 
the successful passage of a rigorous nomination and screen process. The 
Department of Education review panel evaluates as conditions of 
effective schooling the following: leadership; teaching environment; 
curriculum and instruction; student environment; parent and community 
support; and organizational vitality. The review panel also considers 
objective indicators of success, such as: Student performance on 
measures of achievement; daily student and teacher attendance rates; 
students' postgraduation pursuits; school, staff, and student awards; 
and high student retention-graduation rates.
  Obviously, those select few schools afforded the status of Blue 
Ribbon Awards are more than deserving of the national attention that 
accompanies such an honor. I would like to take a moment to 
individually recognize each of the Michigan elementary and middle 
schools, and the dedicated principals under whose leadership these 
schools have thrived, for entry into the Congressional Record.
  Anna M. Joyce Elementary School, Detroit, MI, Mr. Leslie Brown, 
principal.
  Brace-Lederle Elementary School, Southfield, MI, Dr. Bobbie K. 
Hentrel, principal.
  Grand View Elementary School, Grandville, MI, Mr. Rich Doyle, 
principal.
  Lincoln Park Elementary School, Norton Shores, MI, Ms. Tresea Goff, 
principal.
  Pine Tree Elementary School, Lake Orion, MI, Mrs. Beverly Tepper, 
principal.
  Roguewood School, Rockford, MI, Mrs. Sharon Bennett, principal.
  Troy Union Elementary School, Troy, MI, Dr. Ronald J. O'Hara, 
principal.
  Educating our children is no simple task, and everyone involved with 
the success of these blue ribbon schools deserves to feel a great sense 
of pride. On behalf of all my fellow Senators I extend to the staff, 
students, and parents of each of these communities my most sincere 
congratulations and best wishes for the even brighter future that 
awaits them.

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