[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 165 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2476]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      EAST GRAND RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL NAMED NEW AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL

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                         HON. VERNON J. EHLERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 1999

  Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the students, staff 
and community that represent East Grand Rapids High School in my 
congressional district. It is my pleasure to honor all of those in the 
East Grand Rapids family for their commitment and dedication which 
resulted in being named a 1999 New American High School by the U.S. 
Department of Education and the National Association of Secondary 
School Principals. The award recognizes schools where all students are 
expected to meet challenging academic standards and acquire the 
communication, problem solving, computer and technical skills necessary 
to pursue careers and higher education.
  To even be considered as a New American High School there are many 
hurdles that a school must successfully pass. Applicants must supply 
members of a steering committee with documentation that they have 
undertaken standards-based, locally driven reform efforts that 
positively affect key indicators of school improvement and student 
success. Among the documentation items they must present are proof of 
increases in student achievement, increases in student enrollment at 
postsecondary institutions, increases in student attendance, and 
reductions in student dropout rates.
  East Grand Rapids is a model school when it comes to challenges and 
performance High expectations are set for all students because of the 
high motivation level of the student body. The numbers speak for 
themselves. Based on statistics from the 1998 school year, 
approximately 94% of East Grand Rapids students enrolled in colleges or 
universities. The school registered a dropout rate of less than 1% and 
an attendance rate of 97%. Academic test scores are also the highest in 
the state of Michigan in mathematics, reading, and writing.
  Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to take this opportunity to highlight the 
positive happenings at East Grand Rapids High School under the 
leadership of Superintendent Dr. James Morse and Principal Patrick 
Cwayna. It takes a lot of pride, sacrifice, and teamwork to qualify for 
this prestigious award. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in 
saluting everyone involved in helping East Grand Rapids achieve this 
remarkable honor. I also wish continued academic and overall success 
for everyone associated with this school.




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