[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 190 (Wednesday, December 12, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING SOUTH TEXAS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT ON HAVING THREE 
 SCHOOLS LISTED IN THE TOP 100 AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOLS IN U.S. NEWS AND 
                              WORLD REPORT

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                          HON. RUBEN HINOJOSA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 12, 2007

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the South Texas Independent School District for having 3 
of its high schools listed among the 100 in the nation according to 
U.S. News and World Report.
  The South Texas Independent School District shatters the myth that 
low income and minority students cannot achieve academic excellence. 
Eighty percent of the school district's students are of Hispanic 
heritage. Over 50 percent are eligible for free or reduced priced 
lunches. These outstanding high schools are open enrollment--they do 
not pick and choose among the best and brightest, rather they foster 
excellence in any student willing to make the commitment to a rigorous 
program of study.
  Of the more than 18,000 public schools in the United States, the 
South Texas Independent School District placed 3 high schools: The 
Science Academy, the Business Education and Technology Academy, and the 
High School for Health Professions in the gold medal category for 
excellence in school performance on state tests and for success in 
providing college level coursework to all of their students. They 
demonstrate that high achievement is possible system-wide when you 
bring together the right leadership and community support.
  I would like to commend the superintendent of South Texas Independent 
School, Dr. Marla Guerra and the president of the school board, Mr. 
Ernesto Alvarado for their leadership and stewardship of the school 
system. They have maintained and deepened the tradition of high 
achievement that has been the hallmark of the school district since the 
first magnet high school opened it's doors in 1984.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the achievement of 
the Science Academy, led by Principal Michael Aranda and ranked number 
23 in the nation.
  Please join me in celebrating the national recognition of the 
Business Education and Technology Academy led by Principal Magdalena 
Gutierrez and ranked number 54 in the nation.
  Let us cheer the accomplishment of the High School for Heath 
Professions, led by Principal Barbara Heater and ranked number 64 in 
the nation.
  The national recognition of the talent and potential of our young 
people in South Texas is long overdue. I commend South Texas 
Independent School District for nurturing tomorrow's leaders. I applaud 
our community of students. parents, and educators for demanding the 
best and exceeding expectations.
  In closing I would like to share with you the secret of South Texas 
Independent School district's astounding success. They set high 
standards for academic and personal development and shared values. 
Their goal is that each graduate of South Texas Independent School 
district: is a compassionate, caring individual; has a passion for 
life-long learning; is an effective communicator; is a producer of 
quality work; is creative and curious; appreciates the differences in 
people; is a competent problem-solver; is a responsible and ethical 
citizen; strives for a balanced professional and home life; contributes 
to the community well-being through service; and is academically and 
occupationally skilled.
  The Science Academy, the Business Education and Technology Academy, 
and the Health Professions High School in the South Texas Independent 
School District are among the best of the best high schools in the 
nation. They produce graduates who are ready, willing, and able to 
contribute to their communities. I congratulate them on winning 
national recognition and encourage them to keep up the good work.

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