[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING PATUXENT HIGH SCHOOL

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                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 2003

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Patuxent High 
School in Calvert County, Maryland for its ranking among the Nation's 
top 700 most demanding public schools as reported by Newsweek. I would 
like to commend Patuxent High School on incorporating a curriculum that 
challenges and advances the abilities of all students who attend this 
public school.
  The Challenge Index rated each school by analyzing the number of 
advanced placement or International Baccalaureate tests taken by 
students in the high school and the number graduating from that school 
in a given year. Those schools that received a rating of 1.0, which 
meant that the number of students graduating was less than the number 
of tests given, were considered above average and included in the 
index. Based on this ratings scale, Patuxent High School achieved the 
ranking of 697th of schools across the Nation who met this 1.0 rating.
  The Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB), a 
European based program, are courses students can take which have a 
challenging curriculum and prepare the students for their endeavors at 
the collegiate level. In addition, these exams allow the individual 
students to earn college credits depending on what score they receive 
on the exam.
  In 2003 the Patuxent High School student body numbered 1775 students 
with a senior class of 371. It offers fifteen AP courses as well as 
numerous honors courses that challenge their students. This year 
twenty-seven percent of the graduating class will attend a four-year 
college or university with forty percent attending a two-year college. 
In 2001, Patuxent High School was honored for receiving the top average 
SAT scores in Calvert County.
  Principal Robert F. Dredger along with the four Vice Principals: 
Nancy Highsmith, Steve King, Christian Hodge, and Robert Lawrence, have 
established an environment that motivates and challenges each and every 
student. Without the hard work of the administration, staff, and 
students this honor could not have been obtained.
  Mr. Speaker, Patuxent High School has demonstrated an outstanding 
commitment to its entire student body by offering numerous courses that 
provoke the minds of each and every student. I would like to 
congratulate Patuxent High School on achieving such an honor and wish 
the faculty, staff, and students continued success in the future.

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