[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 107 (Friday, July 25, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1525]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        FAMILY FEST: A COMMUNITY EVENT TO HELP IMPROVE EDUCATION

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                        HON. ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 25, 1997

  Mr. BLAGOJEVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
outstanding community event that has occurred in my district for the 
past 10 years. Madonna High School's Family Fest is a 5-day outdoor 
festival that brings families together while improving educational 
opportunities for young women in the city of Chicago. Offering a wide 
array of family-oriented activities, the festival raises an average of 
$12,000 a year in scholarships and financial aid for young women hoping 
to attend the Madonna High School. To date, proceeds have been able to 
provide 37 percent of the study body at Madonna High School with 
financial aid.
  As Abraham Lincoln said in 1832, ``Upon the subject of education . . 
. I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we 
as a people may be engaged in.'' These sentiments on education 
expressed by President Lincoln 165 years ago still hold true today. 
Caring teachers, motivated students, and an involved community are the 
essential components to improving education in our country. Family Fest 
should serve as a model to the rest of the Nation on how community 
values and hard work can help improve our system of education, and 
ensure a brighter future for America.
  Family Fest is proof positive that a community can come together to 
achieve a common goal. I can think of few goals more worthy of our 
support than improving educational opportunities for our young people. 
I commend the parents, staff, and students of Madonna High School for 
their hard work and dedication to this cause, and wish them continued 
success with this outstanding program.

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