[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 40 (Monday, April 3, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S2727]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL, NORWOOD YOUNG AMERICA, MINNESOTA

 Mr. DAYTON. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Central High 
School in Norwood Young America, MN, which recently earned an Award for 
Excellence in Education for its exceptional and innovative achievements 
in educating children.
  Central High School is truly a model of educational success. The 
school earned its Award for Excellence in Education for its 
interdisciplinary Holocaust Unit, which is required of all seniors for 
graduation.
  The Holocaust Unit has been a hallmark of Central High School for 
over 10 years. Mr. Mark Lagergren, a social studies teacher at Central, 
developed the unit and has coordinated with several English teachers to 
teach it to all students.
  Guest speakers, including Holocaust survivors, are invited to talk 
with the students; students are assigned to read and discuss several 
pertinent books; and students are required to produce a final, senior 
Holocaust project.
  Ms. Kelly Street, an English teacher at Central High School and a 
Central High graduate, shared with me the impact the unit has had on 
her life, saying, ``Before Mr. L's class we had heard references to the 
Holocaust, concentration camps and Hitler, but after his class we were 
mini-experts on the subject. I remember Mr. Lagergren's lectures and 
how powerful they were; I could actually feel his passion for such a 
harrowing part of history. How can any human being not feel something 
after seeing pictures and watching videos on the era, and then have 
those pictures and videos followed by the passionate clarification of a 
teacher who has dedicated his career to the study of the Holocaust? It 
was a blessing to be a part of it.''
  Ms. Street was very appreciative of survivors' personal accounts, and 
she credits Mr. Lagergren for having brought these survivors to share 
their profoundly personal stories.
  Much of the credit for Central High School's success belongs to its 
principal, Ron Brand, and all the dedicated teachers. The students and 
staff at Central High School 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 Central High School should be very 
proud of their accomplishments.
  I congratulate Central High School in Norwood Young America for 
winning the Award for Excellence in Education and for its exceptional 
contributions to education in Minnesota.

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