[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 191 (Thursday, December 13, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2577-E2578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF EDINBURG NORTH HIGH SCHOOL FOR ACHIEVING SILVER MEDAL 
       STATUS IN U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT HIGH SCHOOL RANKINGS

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                          HON. RUBEN HINOJOSA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 13, 2007

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Edinburg North High School for achieving silver medal 
status in the 2007 U.S. News and World Report ranking of the best high 
schools in the Nation. Of the over 18,000 high schools in the country, 
only 505 were recognized as gold or silver medal winners based upon 
their performance on state tests and success in providing college level 
work for all of their students.
  Edinburg North High School demonstrates that academic excellence is 
not restricted to the economically advantaged. More than half of its 
students participate in the free and reduced price lunch program. Over 
95 percent of the students at Edinburg North are Hispanic, and many 
students are the children of migrant and seasonal farm workers, The 
Edinburg North students and community may not be economically 
advantaged, but they are rich in family values, tradition, and 
potential. It is these characteristics that have served as the 
foundation for their success.
  In 2004, Edinburg North High School was recognized with the College 
Board Inspiration award for its success in expanding Advanced Placement 
opportunities for students. Edinburg North High School made access to 
challenging courses a number one priority. It instituted an ``open-
door'' policy for advanced placement courses, more than doubling the 
number of students taking at least one advanced placement exam.

[[Page E2578]]

  This focus on rigorous courses has opened the doors to higher 
education for students of Edinburg North, many of whom are the first in 
their families to attend college. As a result, Edinburg North graduates 
have been courted by some of the most selective institutions in the 
nation, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dartmouth 
College, Columbia University, and Rice University.
  The silver medal awarded by U.S. News and World report shows that 
Edinburg North High School's tradition of excellence is continuing. I 
would like to congratulate the entire community for this achievement 
and would like to specially acknowledge the leadership of Principal 
Ramiro Guerra, Superintendent Gilberto Garza, Jr., and President of the 
Board of Trustees Carmen Gonzalez. Excellent schools are only possible 
when there is excellent leadership.
  Please join me in applauding the achievements of Edinburg North High 
School. I urge them to keep up the good work.

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