[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 43 (Thursday, March 13, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING FRANKLIN SCHOOL FOR BEING NAMED AN ILLINOIS SCHOOL OF HONOR

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                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2008

  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to 
join me in congratulating Franklin School, in Belleville, Illinois, for 
being named an Illinois School of Honor, one of only two schools in 
Illinois to receive this award.
  The University of Illinois Extension has teamed with the Character 
Education Partnership (CEP) to conduct an award competition that 
recognizes schools that have implemented outstanding programs in 
character education. Franklin School was selected in the state 
competition as one of only two Illinois Schools of Honor. This is a 
prestigious honor for Franklin School and brings well-deserved 
recognition to their very successful character education program.
  With the emphasis in recent years on testing and meeting aggressive 
educational standards, it is refreshing to see that schools also 
realize that character counts. These schools demonstrate that well-
rounded students can be developed by instilling values of respect for 
others and good moral judgment while also focusing on instruction in 
academic subjects.
  The application process for the State School of Character competition 
is very rigorous and there are specific, objective criteria that must 
be met to qualify. In order to be considered, a school must demonstrate 
that they have implemented a comprehensive, effective and successful 
program for incorporating character development into their school 
environment. Winning this award reflects positively on the entire 
Franklin School community, administration, faculty and staff, students 
and families. All worked together to achieve this honor.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
administration, faculty, staff, students and families of Franklin 
School for their recognition as an Illinois School of Honor.

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