[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 9 (Wednesday, February 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E153]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONGRATULATING THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PAGE SCHOOL

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                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 2, 2005

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the U.S. House of 
Representatives Page Board, it gives me great pleasure and pride to 
rise to congratulate our own House Page School for ranking first in the 
Nation among small-size schools in Advanced Placement U.S. History, 
based upon 2004 AP test scores.
  The school of 72 students, all enrolled in a junior-year high school 
curriculum, had the highest percentage in its category of its total 
student population scoring three or higher out of a total five on the 
AP U.S. History examination, as reported in the College Board's 2005 
Advanced Placement Report to the Nation.
  This is a notable achievement for our Page Program. Because of the 
high demands of the Pages' work schedule, traditional AP courses are 
not offered at the school and Pages must therefore prepare for the AP 
exam on their own, assisted by an enhanced honors program with an 
emphasis on AP exam preparation. We should be justifiably proud of our 
House Pages who rise to attend classes at 6:45 a.m., after which they 
report to the House floor for a day's work helping the House of 
Representatives. For most all of them, this experience is their first 
long excursion away from home, family, and friends. That they have 
brought distinction to themselves and to their school is testament to 
their scholarly abilities, hard work, and dedication of their teachers.
  I would like, Mr. Speaker, to recognize the Page School principal, 
Linda Miranda, our Government/U.S. History instructor, Ron Weitzel, the 
other school faculty, the Page Residence Hall staff, and the Chief 
Pages for creating and fostering a total learning environment that 
helped to make this achievement possible. A 200-year program, the Page 
Program is a venerable congressional institution that has grown and 
matured with the Congress. This achievement confirms that the Page 
Program is helping the young people who pass through it to meet the 
challenges of life ahead. We remain committed in the Program to not 
only provide a unique work experience, but continue the pursuit of 
academic excellence.

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