[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 52 (Thursday, May 4, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H2156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CONGRATULATING SOUTH TEXAS ISD

  (Mr. HINOJOSA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the staff, 
the administration, and the students and families of the Science 
Academy of South Texas and the South Texas High School For Health 
Professions in my hometown of Mercedes, Texas. I congratulate them on 
being named among the Newsweek magazine's ``Best High Schools in 
America for 2006.''
  This year, our science academy ranked 11th and our health professions 
high school ranked 91st. As you can tell, my heart swells with pride 
for our magnet schools. Both these schools are located in a community 
that possesses some of the highest rates of poverty and the lowest 
levels of education attainment in the Nation.
  These schools serve as a shining example to our Nation that when 
students are provided with the right opportunities they can and they 
will excel despite whatever socioeconomic challenges they must 
overcome.
  I congratulate these institutions and their students for their 
successful efforts and commend their parents, faculty, administration 
and staff. I hope that their story will provide our Nation with added 
inspiration to continue to forge the best educational system possible 
for our youth.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the staff, administration, 
students, and families of the Science Academy of South Texas and the 
South Texas High School for Health Professions in my hometown of 
Mercedes, TX on being named among Newsweek magazine's ``Best High 
Schools in America for 2006.'' This year, our Science Academy ranked 
11th and our Health Professions High School ranked 91st. As you can 
tell, my heart swells with pride for our magnet schools.
  Both these schools are located in a community that possesses some of 
the highest rates of poverty and lowest levels of education attainment 
in the Nation. These schools serve as a shining example to our Nation 
that when students are provided with the right opportunities they can 
excel despite whatever socioeconomic challenges they must overcome.
  A quality, comprehensive and challenging education is the most 
valuable gift we can give to our children. This is the third time 
schools from the South Texas Independent School District have received 
this prestigious recognition, and it solidifies their standing as a 
model of excellence and a community that crafts exemplary institutions. 
The teachers and administrators of this district are truly committed to 
educating and encouraging our future leaders.
  As the country continues to move forward into the 21st century, the 
need for mathematicians, doctors, scientists, nurses, engineers and the 
leaders of tomorrow continues to be of the utmost importance, and a 
high school diploma is the first step to becoming a successful 
contributor to society.
  The programs of study at these high schools ensure that students 
graduate ready to succeed in college, and more importantly they help 
students secure the building blocks that lead to successful lives and 
careers. Their story is truly inspiring.
  I would also like to congratulate Superintendent Marla Guerra, as 
well as the members of the school board of trustees, the faculty, 
students, parents and alumni on 40 years of achievement. This school 
district demonstrates a regional commitment to excellence. The 
recognition that these two high schools have received is just one of 
many accolades earned by the South Texas Independent School District.
  My involvement in establishing the magnet high school system for 
South Texas is one of my proudest achievements. Over 20 years ago, as a 
member of the Texas State Board of Education, I led a delegation from 
South Texas to Houston to visit that city's highly regarded magnet 
schools.
  We knew that we wanted that caliber of opportunity for our students. 
However, we were told that such a program could not work in South 
Texas. We were told that we did not have the financial resources and 
that we could not find the students. But we did not believe the nay-
sayers. We knew it could be done.
  Today, two South Texas magnet high schools, with student populations 
that are almost 80 percent Hispanic and over 50 percent eligible for 
free or reduced priced lunches, are among the most elite high schools 
in the Nation. Every day, they bring students and observers closer to 
realizing the vast potential of our community. They are a model of what 
is possible when we invest in our children and demand the very best.
  I ask all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Science 
Academy of South Texas and the South Texas High School for Health 
Professions on a job well done.

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