[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E778]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING HARLINGEN HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE 2005 INSPIRATION AWARD

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                          HON. RUBEN HINOJOSA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 27, 2005

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in congratulating Harlingen High School for being selected for one 
of the 2005 College Board Inspiration Awards. Harlingen High School is 
one of three exemplary high schools in the nation being honored for 
their steadfast commitment to fostering student success in some of 
America's most poverty-stricken communities.
  Each school receives a prize of $25,000 to use in furthering its 
academic goals. The Inspiration Awards recognize outstanding work in 
improving the academic environment and helping economically 
disadvantaged students achieve the promise of higher education. I would 
like to congratulate the superintendent, Dr. Linda Wade, the principal, 
Richard Renaud, the teachers, students, and entire school community for 
this prestigious award.
  Harlingen High School is truly an inspiration for all of us who value 
education and academic excellence for all students. For the Hispanic 
community, it reaffirms our core faith in our own potential. Over 87 
percent of the students at Harlingen High School are Hispanic, and many 
of them are bilingual. Their motto is ``in relentless pursuit of 
student success.'' Harlingen High School stands firm on three major 
commitments it has made to the community. These are: To create a 
positive learning environment for all students; responsibly develop and 
maintain student-centered educational programs; and a commitment to 
making graduation the beginning of successful participation as positive 
and progressive citizens.
  Harlingen High School has succeeded in the face of many challenges. 
More than half of its students participate in the free and reduced 
price lunch program and over 90 percent of the Hispanic students are 
considered to be ``at risk.'' A number of the students are the children 
of migrant and seasonal farm workers, and many of these young people 
work in the fields themselves.
  Supporting teachers, building strong community partnerships, and 
fostering family engagement have been the foundation for Harlingen High 
School's success in achieving a 75 percent college-going rate. 
Harlingen counselors have also made sure that students and families 
know where they can find the resources to help finance college. In 
addition to helping Harlingen families with the federal student aid 
process, school counselors guided Harlingen students to over $2 million 
in scholarship money.
  Harlingen High School has expanded access to AP courses for all of 
its students, and for Hispanic students, in particular. Hispanic 
students comprised 80 percent of the 298 students in grades 9-12 who 
took at least one Advanced Placement (AP) Program' 
examination. To prepare students for AP courses and college, Harlingen 
starts in 8th grade with a pre-AP Program. They couple this with an 
extensive Parent Involvement Program that conducts outreach meetings at 
different neighborhood community centers to impress upon parents the 
importance of helping teens prepare for college.
  This is what is possible when we invest in excellence in the Hispanic 
community. I urge my colleagues to join me in saluting Harlingen High 
School for its achievement and applauding the College Board for 
sponsoring the Inspiration Awards. May each year be more competitive 
than the last.

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