[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 154 (Thursday, December 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING IRVINGTON HIGH SCHOOL FOR RECEIVING THE NEW AMERICAN HIGH 
      SCHOOL AWARD FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

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                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 14, 2000

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, today I commend and congratulate Irvington 
High School in Fremont, California for receiving a New American High 
School Award from the United States Department of Education.
  The U.S. Department of Education New American High School Award is 
given to high schools that demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that 
all students meet challenging academic standards and are prepared for 
colleges and careers. This program is part of the Department of 
Education's effort to reform our schools.
  Irvington High School was one of only 27 schools in the country to 
win this award for 2000. Irvington High School won this award by making 
a schoolwide effort to refuse to accept subpar schoolwork from any 
student. To make sure all students can earn good grades, the school 
offers extra help to pupils with academic difficulties. To aid these 
students, the teachers help the student identify their weaknesses and 
develop a pact for rectifying them. The school also fosters 
responsibility to one's community by requiring students to complete a 
minimum of 40 hours of community service as a requirement for 
graduation.
  Finally, the school requires that all seniors participate in a 
``personal quest'' by doing a research project and oral presentation on 
a subject that fascinates them. Students have embarked on ``personal 
quests'' to learn about careers that they want to pursue after 
graduation. These quests have ranged from one student learning about 
becoming a photographer to another learning about becoming a marine 
biologist. Each student must work with a school advisor and must gain 
actual work experience in the occupation in which they are interested.
  This combination of innovative teaching and emphasis on public 
service has made Irvington High School a shining example to other 
schools across America on how to educate our students to thrive in the 
21st century. Again, I want to extend the highest commendation and 
congratulations to Irvington High School for its outstanding 
performance in educating our children. This award recognizes what the 
citizens of Fremont, California have always known, that the faculty and 
students of Irvington High School are first rate in every aspect.

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