[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 75 (Thursday, June 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1017]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1017]]



                  HONORING MOUNTAIN VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL

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                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 15, 2000

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Mountain 
View Middle School in Rio Rancho, NM. Mountain View was recently chosen 
by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School and is one 
of only 198 schools in the United States that received this prominent 
award. The Rio Rancho public school system is a model of first-class 
learning, and Mountain View is a product of this exemplary system. It 
embodies all the characteristics for which all schools should strive.
  It was my pleasure to meet recently with the principal of Mountain 
View, Kathy Pinkel, and congratulate her personally on this esteemed 
accomplishment. Joining me in offering congratulations was John 
Jennings, the mayor of Rio Rancho. On that occasion, Ms. Pinkel 
described the tireless labors that the faculty and staff have 
contributed to reach this crest of pride.
  This is excellent news for the Rio Rancho community. This is one of 
the top education awards in the country, and I applaud all those 
involved in ensuring that education is a top priority in Rio Rancho. I 
call special attention to the faculty and staff at Mountain View--they 
obviously have a great passion for what they are doing, and this award 
is verification of their dedication. Also, community cooperation is 
crucial in making a school exceptional. I pay special tribute to the 
parents and also all the citizens of Rio Rancho who continue to be 
actively involved in the public school system. Such cooperation is 
crucial in order to make a school exceptional, and the entire Rio 
Rancho community can be extremely proud of this combined effort.
  Blue Ribbon Schools are selected based on their effectiveness in 
meeting local, State, and national educational goals. Schools chosen 
for the award must display the qualities of excellence that are 
necessary to prepare young people for the challenges of the new 
century. Blue Ribbon status is awarded to schools that have strong 
leadership; a clear vision and sense of mission that is shared by all 
connected with the school; high quality educators; challenging and up-
to-date curriculum; policies and practices that ensure a safe 
environment conducive to learning and schools that help all students 
achieve high standards.
  Education is one of my top priorities in Congress. A strong and 
diverse education is an essential building block for the youth of 
society, whether it is today, or 100 years from now. Mountain View 
Middle School has been providing students with the tools to exceed in 
the tasks they will encounter throughout their lifetimes. It is 
imperative that we recognize and continue to support this educating 
process and all of those who contribute to it.
  Mountain View Middle School in Rio Rancho, NM, has been a strong 
influence in the lives of the students they have taught and the entire 
community they have served. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time 
to ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging this accomplishment. I 
congratulate Mountain View Middle School on its Blue Ribbon award and 
thank all those involved for their invaluable contribution to the State 
of New Mexico and to the entire Nation.

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