[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 54 (Thursday, April 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E821]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN HONOR OF LAUREL MIDDLE SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 2005

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to pay tribute to the Laurel Middle School located in Laurel, Delaware. 
Founded in 1683, Laurel is a small town in southwestern Delaware that 
is home to over 800 buildings listed on the National Historic Record. 
Named for the trees that run along the town's Broad Creek, Laurel is 
now home to over 3,800 Delawareans. In addition to many historic 
buildings and beautiful recreation areas, the town is also home to a 
public school that has proven itself as one of the best in the United 
States: Laurel Middle School.
  I would like to personally thank Dawn Williams, a 7th grade science 
teacher at Laurel Middle School. Ms. Williams has made me aware of the 
strides taken by the school. As a benchmark for public education in 
Delaware, Laurel Middle School has been recognized with a Delaware 
State Testing Program rating of ``superior.'' This recognition was made 
possible through the hard work of students, teachers and school 
officials. While it was the students who scored exceptionally on the 
test, it is the support system, led by Principal Julie Bradley along 
with parents, teachers, and administrators, who make it possible to 
achieve a superior rating.
  Most notably, this achievement occurred in a poverty area school, 
showing that hard work and strong community support can yield 
outstanding results, regardless of income level. I am grateful for the 
work of everyone involved and am excited to see the youth of Laurel 
grow up to become the leaders of tomorrow. Once again Mr. Speaker, I 
commend the efforts of Laurel Middle School and look forward to 
following their future achievements.

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