[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 40 (Monday, April 3, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S2728]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           WATERTOWN-MAYER HIGH SCHOOL, WATERTOWN, MINNESOTA

 Mr. DAYTON. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Watertown-
Mayer High School, in Watertown, MN, which recently earned an Award for 
Excellence in Education for its exceptional and innovative achievements 
in educating children.
  Watertown-Mayer High School is truly a model of educational success. 
The school offers a comprehensive curriculum in a four-period block 
schedule. College in the Schools, an honors program sponsored by the 
University of Minnesota, is offered in writing, fiction, American 
government, U.S. history, and German. Advanced math and science courses 
include advanced placement calculus I and II, advanced placement 
physics, chemistry, and advanced biology, ecology, and meteorology. 
Excellent vocational programs include industrial technical education, 
family and consumer science, business education, work experience, and 
agriculture/horticulture education.
  As part of their academic program, highly motivated seniors can 
enroll in a comprehensive professional mentorship program, which offers 
real-life experiences, including mentorships with surgeons, physicians, 
nurses, business professionals, theater professionals, undercover law 
enforcement personnel, and teachers. These opportunities have helped 
many students explore their professional goals.
  This year, carpentry students from Watertown-Mayer are building a 
model house, intended for sale at a public auction this spring. 
Proceeds of the sale will be used to buy tools and supplies to help 
continue these opportunities for future students.
  The academic successes of Watertown-Mayer are reflected in students' 
test scores. Last year, Watertown-Mayer High School received five star 
ratings in both math and reading. Fewer than 7 percent of all Minnesota 
schools have rated so well in both math and reading.
  Watertown-Mayer High School's goal is to ``invest in the life of each 
and every student and to make a difference one child at a time.'' It is 
not the curriculum that resonates for graduates of Watertown-Mayer but, 
rather, their personal experiences with the dedicated people who guided 
their learning and who truly make the school one of Minnesota's finest.
  Much of the credit for Watertown-Mayer High School's success belongs 
to its principal, Scott Gengler, and the dedicated teachers. The 
students and staff at Watertown-Mayer 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 Watertown-Mayer High 
School should be very proud of their accomplishments.
  I congratulate Watertown-Mayer High School in Watertown for winning 
the Award for Excellence in Education and for its exceptional 
contributions to education in Minnesota.

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