[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 19 (Friday, February 18, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S1708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      RECOGNIZING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

 Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
contributions of the more than 8,000 Catholic elementary and secondary 
schools nationwide. These schools, which serve over 2.6 million 
students, are a vibrant force in our country's educational and 
spiritual life.
  During the month of February every year, communities throughout 
Nevada and the Nation celebrate National Catholic Schools Week. 
Sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the 
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, this annual national 
celebration provides an opportunity to acknowledge the important work 
of these schools in helping educate our Nation's children.
  One day during this week, National Appreciation Day for Catholic 
School Teachers, specifically recognizes the hard work and dedication 
of the more than 163,000 educators who work in Catholic schools. The 
work of our Nation's educators is too often overlooked, but it could 
not be more important. I know I would not be where I am today without 
one of my high school teachers, Mike O'Callaghan. I am glad that 
National Catholic Schools Week provides an opportunity to acknowledge 
the work of those individuals who serve as the foundation of our 
schools.
  Nevada's Catholic schools have contributed significantly to the 
education of my State's students for several decades. I would like to 
take this opportunity to recognize a few of the schools that will be 
celebrating special anniversaries this year.
  The only Catholic high school in Nevada, Bishop Gorman High School, 
will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. The oldest Catholic 
school in Nevada, however, is St. Joseph School, which will celebrate 
its 58th anniversary this year. St. Christopher, St. Francis de Sales, 
and St. Viator Elementary Schools also will all mark their 40th 
anniversary this year. These and the other Catholic schools in the 
State have long served Nevada well, and I am sure they will continue to 
for many years to come.

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