[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 119 (Thursday, September 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE CHICAGO ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS COLLEGE PREPARATORY 
                              HIGH SCHOOL

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                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 2006

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud recognition of The 
Chicago Academy for the Arts, recently awarded this year's Creative 
Ticket National Schools of Distinction Award from the Kennedy Center's 
Alliance for the Arts Education Network.
  The Chicago Academy for the Arts High School has served the students 
and families of the city of Chicago as well as students from Indiana 
and Wisconsin since 1981. The students at The Chicago Academy for the 
Arts have established an impressive record of academic achievement as 
well as artistic talent ranging from fine arts to acting to costume and 
set design. Ninety-seven percent of the Academy's graduates go on to 
top colleges and conservatories.
  Since 1981, The Chicago Academy for the Arts has served as one of 
five private, independent, college-preparatory arts high schools in the 
United States. In addition to a traditional high school curriculum, 
students are given intensive training in the fields of: Music, Visual 
Art, Dance, Theater, Musical Theater, and Media Arts. Each day, 
students spend 5 hours in academics and 3 hours in their chosen art 
major, all of which include classes in theory, history, and technique.
  The Chicago Academy for the Arts is designed to maximize each 
student's potential to communicate through the arts. The Arts Academy 
strives to prepare students to think critically and independently in 
order to prepare them to succeed in both higher education and their 
chosen field in the arts.
  Alumni from The Chicago Academy for the Arts have gone on to attend 
schools such as the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, The 
Julliard School, Brandeis University, and New York University and 
include such notables as actors John Cusack and Lara Flynn Boyle; 
screenwriter and director Adam Rifkin; and composer Alex Wurman as well 
as members of the Joffrey Ballet, New York City Ballet, Alvin Ailey 
American Dance Theater and the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes.
  Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Congressional Arts Caucus, I believe 
that it is important to support and recognize quality education in the 
arts. The Chicago Academy for the Arts is a shining example of art in 
education at its best. I am proud of the students, faculty and families 
of the school and I wish them continued success in the coming years.

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