[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 151 (Wednesday, November 20, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11727-S11728]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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 IN CELEBRATION OF THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF CAB CALLOWAY SCHOOL OF THE 
                      ARTS IN WILMINGTON, DELAWARE

 Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 10th 
anniversary of the Cab Calloway School of the Arts in Wilmington, the 
first public arts school in the State of Delaware. Since the late Cab 
Calloway cut the ribbon for the school's grand opening on November 23, 
1992, the school has expanded from a small middle school with vocal 
detractors to an overwhelmingly successful experiment in public school 
choice, boasting an enrollment of 760 6th to 12th graders. If their 
first decade is any indication of what they will offer in the future, 
we have much to look forward to.
  Cab Calloway School of the Arts works to provide young people from 
diverse backgrounds with intensive training in the arts and a 
comprehensive academic curriculum that will prepare them for success in 
higher education and employment. They are succeeding.
  The school's halls are filled with talented faculty, skilled 
supervisors, and dedicated staff. Its students have been awarded 
numerous accolades and recognition for their art, writing, theatre, 
academics, vocal and band performances, as well as academics.
  Cab Calloway's students continue to defy the odds, meeting or 
exceeding our State's standards in reading, writing and math. Last 
year, the school's 10th graders ranked among the very highest in the 
State in reading and writing comprehension. Mixing academics with 
freedom of expression and strong parental support has boosted their 
students' self-confidence and given us all something to feel good 
about.
  When I served as Governor of Delaware, Cab Calloway's students 
performed, at my request, at the Hotel DuPont for the Governor's 
National Association. They helped me celebrate my second inauguration 
as Governor at the Wilmington Grand Opera House and have since been 
named to the Governor's School of Excellence. They continue to make me 
proud.
  Cab Calloway School of the Arts has represented the State of Delaware 
at The Kennedy Center in Washington DC, and its students have performed 
at the Delaware Mentoring Council Celebrations in Wilmington and Dover, 
attended by GEN. Colin Powell.
  These days I work closely with Hillary Clinton in the Senate. When I 
brought her to tour the Cab Calloway School of the Arts in 1996, she 
was our First Lady, and I made sure that a tour showcasing the best of 
Delaware included the innovative school. We talked about the importance 
of school choice and the inroads made possible by a school dedicated to 
providing a cultural and academic experience that instills character 
and a greater appreciation of the arts.
  As Governor of Delaware, and now as Senator, I have shared with 
people across America the story of Cab's success. I tell them about 
teachers such as Marty Lassman, who daily demonstrate unparalleled 
commitment and patience, the support staff that is there when needed, 
the students who again and again exceed expectations, and the parents 
and family members who understand they have an obligation to be full 
partners in the education of their children. Together, they serve as an 
inspiration and an example to communities across the country.

[[Page S11728]]

  Delaware is a small State, but we are building a growing record of 
achievement in public school education. Statewide, scores have again 
increased in all grades and across the board in reading and math, as we 
begin to close the achievement gap.
  Much of what we have accomplished in Delaware, and at the Cab 
Calloway School of the Arts, serves as a model for our Nation.
  I thank the staff and students of the school, both past and present, 
for their efforts to create a more meaningful experience for our 
students, and I wish Cab Calloway School of the Arts a very happy 10th 
anniversary.
  I rise today to offer my full support to future generations of 
students and educators at Cab Calloway School of the Arts and 
congratulate this extraordinary school on a remarkable decade of 
success.

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