[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 100 (Wednesday, July 26, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S8265]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE ARTS HIGH SCHOOL--PERPICH CENTER FOR ARTS EDUCATION--
                        GOLDEN VALLEY, MINNESOTA

 Mr. DAYTON. Mr. President, today I honor the Arts High School 
at the Perpich Center for Arts Education, in Golden Valley, MN, which 
recently earned an Award for Excellence in Education for its 
exceptional and innovative achievements in educating children.
  The Arts High School is truly a model of educational success. The 
school is a residential, tuition-free, public high school delivering a 
comprehensive education for eleventh- and twelfth-grade students 
motivated to focus their studies on the arts. Enrollment is limited to 
310 students, affording a relatively small learning environment while 
allowing students from every part of Minnesota to take advantage of the 
wonderful arts resources in the Twin Cities. Dedicated and caring staff 
members furnish 24-hour supervision and coordinate many special 
activities for dormitory residents. Its 16-year history has 
demonstrated that the Arts High School is a highly effective means of 
promoting student achievement and artistic attainment.
  In their morning classes, Arts High students study math, science, 
world languages, English, and social studies. In the afternoon, they 
delve deeply into their arts area studies; students can concentrate on 
dance, literary arts, media arts, music, theater, or visual arts. Over 
the past 5 years, the Arts High has had 9 National Merit Scholarship 
Finalists, 6 Semifinalists, and 18 Commended Students.
  Testimonials from the Arts High School's graduates convey their 
appreciation of the school's merits. Ashley Wilkinson, class of 2004, 
says, ``My experiences at the Arts High School have given me the 
confidence to approach any situation and succeed. The extra confidence 
has made me stronger and prepared me for the world.'' Brian McManamon, 
class of 1993, who is an MFA candidate at the Yale School of Drama, 
says, ``As a student, I found myself continually interested in 
challenging myself and experiencing not just acting, but taking a risk 
once in a while and doing something I was not familiar with. I wouldn't 
be where I am today, if I hadn't gone to the Arts High School.''
  Much of the credit for the Arts High School's success belongs to its 
Director, Rie Gilsdorf, and the dedicated teachers. The students and 
staff at the Arts 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 the Arts High School should be very 
proud of their accomplishments.
  I congratulate the Arts High School in Golden Valley for winning the 
Award for Excellence in Education and for its exceptional contributions 
to education in Minnesota.

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