[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 71 (Thursday, June 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PAUL McHALE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 4, 1998

  Mr. McHALE. Mr. Speaker, in this season of graduation throughout the 
country, today I would like to highlight the achievements of a very 
special group of students. Four years ago, Communities In Schools of 
the Lehigh Valley created a new ``Academy'' within William Allen High 
School in Allentown, PA, in my district. Young people who were at risk 
of dropping out of school were identified and asked to participate in 
this new program. With the support of the Allentown School District, an 
innovative curriculum was created and instituted by two teachers: James 
R. Gollatz and Darryl Skrovanek. Mr. Gollatz was recently honored as a 
``Teacher of the Year'' at the high school. Mr. Skrovanek has taken a 
leadership role as President of the Allentown Education Association.
  The students recruited into the program found a safe place where they 
could successfully learn and prepare for life. When additional services 
were needed to help, Communities In Schools forged partnerships with 
scores of other organizations to meet these needs. These students found 
the resources within themselves, in the school, and in the community to 
meet their challenge. They stayed in school.
  Next week, on June 10th, 1998, this group of young adults will 
accomplish something perhaps they and others doubted they could do: 
they will graduate with a diploma from William Allen High School. Mr. 
Speaker, please join me in recognizing the accomplishments of: Albert 
Albino, Saywood Cross, Brent Davis, Theresa Duch, Lazarus Figueroe, 
Jeffrey Freer, Zila Gonzalez, Shane Heiser, Stephen Hertzog, Mellisa 
Koehler, Peter Macias, Mathew Reese, Shuree Riddick, Jennifer Seltzer, 
Jessica Snyder, and Lindsey Wargo.
  I know you join me in offering heartfelt congratulations and best 
wishes for all their future endeavors.

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