[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CONGRATULATING MacARTHUR HIGH SCHOOL

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                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 25, 2004

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to 
congratulate MacArthur High School for receiving the Intel/Scholastic 
Twenty-First Century Schools of Distinction Award. Located in my 
district of Irving, Texas, MacArthur High School received the award 
announced yesterday by Intel Corporation. The school will receive a 
$25,000 grant from the Intel Foundation, in addition to technology 
tools and assistance.
  Mr. Speaker, this is truly an honor for everyone at MacArthur High 
School who participated in this highly competitive contest and chosen 
as one of two recipients as the ``Best of the Best''. Recipients were 
selected for their performance in comprehensive programs exhibiting 
excellence in the use of technology, parental and community 
involvement, professional development, teamwork and high academic 
standards.
  Each student at MacArthur is issued a school-issued laptop and access 
to a co-op curriculum, which includes work study and advanced placement 
programs, as well as concurrent enrollment at a nearby college. 
Teamwork, leadership programs, experimental lab activities and 
interactive student presentations are just a few examples of how these 
students make learning an adventure. For the past four years, the 
school has received the state's highest academic rating.
  It has been discussed on numerous occasions and in numerous venues 
that the United States will not be able to lead--or for that matter, 
successfully compete--in the global economy if we cannot put a stop to 
the continuing shortage of highly qualified scientific and technology 
brainpower in this country.
  This award is of particular significance, as I have long championed 
the need for more emphasis in science and math education, particularly 
for young children. I believe these students and others like them will 
become tomorrow's leaders in the fields of science and technology. 
Showing students the importance and the value of the science and 
technology fields is a life long process. It cannot happen overnight. 
It begins here and now. I implore our community leaders to also 
encourage science education in young men and women.
  I would like to commend the Intel Foundation and Intel CEO Craig 
Barrett for their leadership and commitment to this initiative. The 
additional contributions of their corporate partners should also be 
acknowledged.
  Mr. Speaker, again, I congratulate the students, teachers, principals 
and parents of MacArthur High School on this distinguished honor.

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