[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 129 (Friday, October 4, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS RECIPIENTS

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                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 3, 2002

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to recognize 
that three blue ribbon schools in my 51st Congressional District of 
California are being honored as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2002. 
In alphabetical order, these schools are:
  La Costa Canyon High School, Encinitas, CA. The principal is Mr. Don 
Rizzi, and the superintendent of the San Dieguito Union High School 
District is Peggy Lynch.
  Madison Middle School, Oceanside, CA. The principal is Mrs. Theresa 
Ketchem-Grace, and the superintendent of the Vista Unified School 
District is Dave Cowles.
  Valley Middle School, Carlsbad, CA. The principal is Dr. Kim 
Marshall, and the superintendent of the Carlsbad Unified School 
District is Cheryl Ernst.
  The National Blue Ribbon Schools program evaluates schools based upon 
their effectiveness in meeting local, state and national educational 
goals. In 2002, 172 middle and secondary schools are being recognized 
as National Blue Ribbon Schools, including the three above in 
California's 51st Congressional District, and 30 in the State of 
California. Blue Ribbon status is awarded to schools that have strong 
leadership, clear vision and mission, excellent teaching and 
curriculum, policies and practices that keep the schools safe for 
learning, expanded involvement of families, evidence that the school 
helps all students achieve high standards, and a commitment to share 
best practices with other schools.
  I am immensely proud of the men and women whose outstanding and 
tireless work in the interest of better education has now been 
recognized through the National Blue Ribbon Schools program. This is 
particularly close to my heart, because, as a former teacher and coach, 
and as a father, one of my passions is improving education so that 
every American can have a fighting chance to achieve the American 
Dream.
  And while these three schools in my district have now been recognized 
as National Blue Ribbon Schools, the real winners are all of the 
children, parents, teachers, and citizens who have all been challenged 
through this recognition to successfully improve education in all of 
their local communities.

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