[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 2, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2039]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. LEO THE GREAT CATHOLIC SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 2, 2007

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor St. 
Leo the Great Catholic School on the occasion of their 50th 
anniversary.
  St. Leo the Great Catholic School focuses on the development of 
Catholic values and attitudes, as well as the attainment of knowledge 
and skills necessary for the student's spiritual, moral, intellectual, 
social and physical development. The basic curriculum of St. Leo's 
School consists of the following subjects: religion, reading, language 
arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, health and 
safety, physical education, computer education, library and foreign 
language.
  The history of St. Leo's School dates back to 1952, when St. Mary's 
Parish in Fairfax Station, Virginia, laid the foundation by developing 
a program to transport students to established parochial schools in the 
Metropolitan Washington area. This program led to a classroom for St. 
Leo's parish first and second graders in the St. Charles School of 
Arlington.
  In 1957, the Benedictine Community of Bristow, Virginia, opened St. 
Leo the Great Catholic School with four temporary classrooms. The next 
10 years produced a series of ups and downs for the school, as they 
struggled to provide adequate space and staffing for their students. 
Nonetheless, they held steadfast to their vision of the future and 
instated a permanent kindergarten and primary education program through 
an abundance of support from nearby parish communities.
  St. Leo the Great Catholic continues to thrive 50 years after its 
inception. Along with its strong curriculum, it is known for having a 
rock climbing wall, Spanish program, television studio and award 
winning band. In 2006, St. Leo's School received the National Blue 
Ribbon Award of Excellence, which is considered to be the highest honor 
an American school can receive.
  Madam Speaker, in closing, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
commending and congratulating St. Leo the Great Catholic School on 50 
years of distinction. I look forward to applauding its continued growth 
and success for many years to come.

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