[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 173 (Thursday, December 13, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO ST. CAMILLUS ACADEMY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 12, 2001

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize, and 
offer my congratulations to, St. Camillus Academy of Corbin, Kentucky. 
This fall, the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports 
announced the state champions of the President's Challenge program for 
the 2000-2001 school year. And, for the second consecutive year, St. 
Camillus Academy has earned the distinguished State Champion Award for 
category one schools in Kentucky. I was exceedingly glad to learn of 
this award and want to take this time to recognize the students of St. 
Camillus for their outstanding achievement.
  The President's Challenge is a physical fitness program designed to 
test the fitness of public school children in several activities, 
including sit-ups, pull-ups, and a long-distance running. Students that 
score at the 85th percentile or above in all categories of the 
Challenge earn the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. Schools 
statewide are recognized by the number of students that have achieved 
this distinction, and St. Camillus won over all other category one 
schools in Kentucky. Fifty percent of its students scored at or about 
the 85th percentile.
  Mr. Speaker, this in no small accomplishment. It takes a lot of hard 
work and effort on the part of children today to reach a certain level 
of fitness and the importance of fitness as a health benefit cannot be 
over-emphasized. In announcing state champions, the president's council 
noted that there is a ``growing epidemic of physical inactivity among 
our nation's youth.'' Many of our children are suffering from obesity 
and other ailments as a result of a lack of exercise. We must recognize 
that physical fitness, in addition to good grades and scholastic 
achievement, is an equally important component of a good education.
  Mr. Speaker, it is fortunate that we, as a nation, can look to many 
role models for inspiration and encouragement. Of course, we can find 
several in athletes, professional and amateur, who have striven to 
achieve and overcome what seem at the time impossible odds. I believe 
we can include the students of St. Camillus in that category as well. 
As category one state champion for the State of Kentucky, St. Camillus 
has proven itself a model school and is deserving of our praise and 
recognition. Again, I wish to salute the students of St. Camillus for 
this wonderftil achievement. Thank you.

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