[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 145 (Tuesday, November 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1991]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CONGRATULATING THE 38TH DISTRICT'S BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEPHEN HORN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2002

  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud that two schools in 
California's 38th District recently were honored as Blue Ribbon Schools 
by the U.S. Department of Education for the 2001-2002 school year. 
Elementary and secondary schools compete for this honor in alternate 
years. Last year I was proud to recognize the two elementary schools in 
my district chosen for this honor. This year, I am pleased to announce 
that St. Matthias High School of Downey and St. Joseph High School of 
Lakewood have received this prestigious award.
  According to Education Secretary Rod Paige, Blue Ribbon Schools share 
several characteristics, including a clear vision and shared sense of 
mission, a challenging, up-to-date curriculum, policies and practices 
to ensure a safe campus conducive to learning, evidence of family 
involvement, and a commitment to help all students achieve high 
standards. Moreover, by their very nature, these two schools stress the 
importance of moral character and community service to their students.
  These two schools are examples of what is right in education. They 
show the remarkable successes that happen when teachers, parents and 
students are committed to a superior standard of education. I 
congratulate the faculty, teachers, parents and students of St. 
Matthias and St. Joseph on this remarkable achievement, and wish them 
well in their continued pursuit of educational excellence.

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