[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 107 (Tuesday, September 5, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8960-S8961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          THOMAS JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL, BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA

 Mr. DAYTON. Mr. President, today I honor Thomas Jefferson High 
School, in Bloomington, MN, which recently earned an Award for 
Excellence in Education for its exceptional and innovative achievements 
in educating children.
  Thomas Jefferson High School is truly a model of educational success. 
The school is to be commended for its overall commitment to quality 
education, including its curriculum and scheduling, staffing, materials 
and equipment, and facilities. The quality of Jefferson's programs in 
the sciences, mathematics, language arts, health,

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music, languages, special education, technology, media, and the arts 
has set the standard for secondary education in Minnesota. In 2004 and 
2005, the school ranked as one of the top six schools in the State on 
the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments reading and math scores.
  Thomas Jefferson High School, which opened in 1970, has 1,748 
students and prides itself for its academic rigor. During the past 3 
years, 30 students have earned distinction as National Merit Scholar 
Semifinalists and Commended Scholars. Each year, over 150 students earn 
college credits at Jefferson by scoring three points or higher on 
advanced placement tests. After graduation, more than 80 percent of 
Jefferson students go on to postsecondary educational opportunities.
  Academics alone, however, do not present the whole picture. According 
to the Thomas Jefferson High School mission statement: ``The Jefferson 
High School Community will develop and nurture responsible leaders and 
enlightened citizens who challenge themselves to create the present and 
enrich the future.'' The teachers and administrators at Jefferson High 
are proud of their students' academic, athletic, and artistic 
accomplishments, especially when achieved in the spirit of the Thomas 
Jefferson core ethical values of respect, responsibility, integrity, 
citizenship, and honesty.
  For example, in keeping with Jefferson's broad mission statement, 
students demonstrated their personal integrity and desire to serve 
others by working to raise over $12,000 for hurricane relief and 
$10,000 for the Red Cross relief efforts.
  In addition, the Jefferson Marching Band, which is fondly known as 
the Pride of Minnesota, is a source of special luster and has performed 
at the Cotton Bowl, Alamo Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and Tournament of Roses 
Parade. Students are also offered a choice of two orchestra programs.
  The school does well in athletic competition. Over its 35-year 
history, Jefferson High School has won 51 State championships in 
hockey, soccer, football, baseball, and other men's and women's sports. 
Recent accomplishments of Jefferson sports teams include a 2004-2005 
Boys State Soccer Championship, a 2004-2005 Boys' Hockey Lake 
Conference and 6AA Championship Title, and a 2003-2004 Girls State 
Alpine Ski Academic Championship.
  Much of the credit for Thomas Jefferson High School's success belongs 
to its principal, Steve Hill, and the dedicated teachers. The students 
and staff at Thomas Jefferson 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 Thomas Jefferson High School 
should be very proud of their accomplishments.
  I congratulate Thomas Jefferson High School in Bloomington for 
winning the Award for Excellence in Education and for its exceptional 
contributions to education in Minnesota.

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