[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 155 (Thursday, October 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING ST. BARNABUS EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 29, 2003

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of St. Barnabas 
Episcopal School in Deland, Florida for the accomplishment of being 
chosen as a ``National No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School of 
Excellence.'' St. Barnabas has been an exceptional example of how the 
``No Child Left Behind'' program ensures that every child learns, and 
that no child will ever be forgotten.
  Since its conception in 1982, by the United States Secretary of 
Education under President Reagan, the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence 
has identified public and private schools throughout the country that 
exhibit extraordinary teaching and learning techniques. The Blue Ribbon 
award is given to a school in recognition of exemplary performance in 
the fields of both education and community service. This year, the 
United States Department of Education recognized 176 public and 47 
private schools as Blue Ribbon Schools. St. Barnabas was the only 
Episcopal School to be recognized for this award this year. In order to 
be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School, an intense, research-
based list of criteria must be met. A Blue Ribbon School must excel in 
all areas of academic leadership, teaching, faculty and parent 
involvement, student achievement levels, as well as safety and 
discipline levels. With standardized test scores constantly in the top 
10 percent of the nation, St. Barnabas qualified by submitting their 
application for the National Blue Ribbon.
  Founded in 1971, St. Barnabas is also accredited by the Florida 
Council of Independent Schools. The school has an enrollment of 344 
students ranging from Pre-Kindergarten to 8th Grade. What makes St. 
Barnabas excellent is the school's drive for excellence both in and out 
of the classroom by stressing the growth of the student's character as 
well as intellect. The school focuses on academic excellence, as well 
as sound moral values and high self esteem. As an Episcopal School, St. 
Barnabas also stresses a strong relationship with God and the community 
in order to build well-rounded students and citizens.
  On a more personal note, my grandmother, Nora Walker, was a 
principal, so education runs in my family. I understand the 
difficulties of teaching and raising young children, especially in 
today's society. That is why I firmly believe in the President's ``No 
Child Left Behind'' plan for education and believe it is the best 
course of action for our nation's schools. I am very pleased to see St. 
Barnabas Episcopal School following the President's plan in becoming a 
``No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.''
  Mr. Speaker, St. Barnabas should be an inspiration to us all and I am 
honored to recognize them today in front of the entire Congress as 
pillars of the community as well as leaders in the field of education.

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