[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E912-E913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  A TRIBUTE TO THE TEACHERS, PARENTS, ADMINISTRATORS AND STUDENTS OF 
                        CHAPARRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2002

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the parents, students, 
faculty and staff whose dedication to excellence has earned a school in 
my district---Chaparral Middle School in Moorpark, California--
recognition as a National Blue Ribbon school.
  The National Blue Ribbon award honors excellence in leadership, 
teaching, curriculum, student achievement and parental involvement. 
Chaparral Middle School is a shining example of what can happen when 
parents, teachers and administrators collaborate on the best approaches 
for providing a quality education.
  The attitude at Chaparral can best be summed up by the comment 
Principal Creighton Nicks made to a local newspaper: ``We're never 
satisfied with good enough. We're always trying to be better.''
  The quality and dedication of teachers at Chaparral are epitomized by 
earth science teacher Mary Alice Reyburn, who was honored this week as 
a California State Science Fair Teacher of the Year. Part of the honor 
is a $2,000 prize, which Mrs. Reyburn plans to donate to the school to 
purchase science equipment.
  I am a product of the public school system, and I put my four 
children through Ventura County's public schools. One of my children is 
now a public school teacher. I am acutely aware that the most important 
tool we can give our children is a good education. Our students are the 
elected officials, businessmen, artists, scientists, parents and 
teachers of tomorrow.
  Nineteenth century orator and public servant Edward Everett, who 
shared the speaker's platform with President Lincoln in Gettysburg, 
once said: ``Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing 
army.'' Those words are equally true during these perilous times, as we 
fight terrorists for the right to remain free.
  Mr. Speaker, as our nation works in concert to better our education 
system, it would serve us well to study the successes of our National 
Blue Ribbon schools. They are the best of the best and a key to our 
future. I know my colleagues will join me in applauding Chaparral 
Principal Nicks, his entire staff, and the parents and students of 
Chaparral for raising the

[[Page E913]]

bar and setting a strong example for others to follow.

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