[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2597-S2598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 MESABI EAST SCHOOLS, AURORA, MINNESOTA

 Mr. DAYTON. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the Mesabi 
East School

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District, in Aurora, MN, which recently earned an Award for Excellence 
in Education for its exceptional and innovative achievements in 
educating children.
  The Mesabi East School District is truly a model of educational 
success. The district believes the education of our students goes 
beyond the classroom walls to include helping children develop 
compassion and the desire to serve their community.
  Toward that goal, for the past 9 years, the Mesabi East Schools have 
sponsored Project Elf, which provides clothing, food, and toys for less 
fortunate families in the area who apply for the assistance. Donations 
are solicited from local merchants, and student volunteers receive a 
budget to shop for each family. All names are kept confidential. 
Recently, Project Elf inspired another initiative, called Elf Central. 
Participating students and staff volunteer to stay after school to make 
gifts for people in need of a cheerful message. The effort became a 
groundswell; now, 457 students volunteer often, throughout the year.
  Students' community involvement exceeds helping families and those in 
need. Over the past 6 years, the students of the Mesabi East Schools 
have sponsored a carefully planned Veterans Day celebration to honor 
the men and women who have given so much for their country. The 
Veterans Day ceremony has become a hallmark of community pride and a 
wonderful form of appreciation for the sacrifices of all our Nation's 
veterans.
  In addition, the Mesabi East District has focused particular 
attention on early childhood education. Recently, the District created 
a nonprofit entity dedicated to researching the best possible way to 
provide services to families. This group has quickly organized a 
variety of early childhood activities within the community.
  Much of the credit for the success of the Mesabi East School District 
belongs to its superintendent, Gene Paulson; the principals, Sam Wilkes 
and Jorma Rahkola; and all the dedicated teachers. The students and 
staff at Mesabi East Schools understand that, in order to be 
successful, a school must go beyond achieving academic success; it must 
also provide a nurturing environment where students can develop the 
knowledge, skills, and attitudes for success throughout life. All of 
the faculty, staff, and students at Mesabi East Schools should be very 
proud of their accomplishments.
  I congratulate the Mesabi East School District in Aurora for winning 
the Award for Excellence in Education and for its exceptional 
contributions to education in Minnesota.

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