[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING CHARLOTTE AMALIE HIGH SCHOOL ON REGAINING THEIR 
   ACCREDITATION FROM THE MIDDLE STATES ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND 
                                SCHOOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DONNA M. CHRISTENSEN

                         of the virgin islands

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 17, 2005

  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
principal, Ms. Jeanette Smith-Barry, and her team of dedicated 
individuals at the Charlotte Amalie High School in St. Thomas, U.S. 
Virgin Islands, on the occasion of their re-accreditation by the Middle 
States Association of Colleges and Schools. Their tireless efforts, 
hard work, dedication and faith have paid off and will truly make a 
difference in the future of our youth and of our Territory.
  At a time when school districts around the country are faced with 
budget cuts and higher standards, our schools have to do more with 
less. The school's accreditation team comprised of administrators, 
parents, community and business leaders set a goal of obtaining re-
accreditation by graduation date 2005 and achieved it.
  Charlotte Amalie High School (CAHS) is the first of four public high 
schools in the U.S. Virgin Islands to regain the accreditation that was 
lost in 2002. Now their students will be able to compete as equals for 
college and university entrance as well as entry into the U.S. Air 
Force which will not consider any student from an unaccredited school.
  Mr. Speaker, this year's graduation which will take place on June 5, 
2005 will be a doubly joyous and celebratory occasion for the CAHS 
Class of 2005 who will receive their diplomas and also be able to 
finally and proudly say once again that they they received them from an 
accredited high school.
  It is in appreciation of their efforts that I use this opportunity to 
commend the CAHS students, faculty, parents, administration, and their 
private sector supporters for their successful efforts in developing 
and executing a successful strategy for regaining accreditation. They 
are an example to all of us who strive to improve our community.
  I am proud of their success and wish the entire CAHS family and the 
Class of 2005 continued success as they continue to ``Excel Always.''

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