[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 70 (Thursday, May 7, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1094]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL

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                            HON. DEVIN NUNES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 7, 2009

  Mr. NUNES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the 
faculty and students of Riverdale High School for a truly remarkable 
achievement.
  On May 12, Riverdale High will be awarded the National College 
Board's Inspiration Award--an award that recognizes America's three 
most improved secondary schools.
  As many of my colleagues will recall, the National College Board's 
Inspiration Award seeks out schools with high academic standards, as 
well as schools that encourage students to prepare for college. Once 
selected, recipients are afforded national recognition and a check for 
$25,000.
  Madam Speaker, Riverdale High School has approximately 1,500 
students. More than 80 percent are on free or reduced lunch. Almost 
half of the school's students are migrants and a quarter of the 
population is learning English for the first time. Despite these 
challenges, Riverdale High offers an academically rigorous environment, 
including 12 AP courses, a choral and music program, as well as ROP, 
and drama and agriculture curriculum.
  With this academic rigor has come great academic achievement. 
Riverdale High School has achieved a graduation rate of 98 percent over 
the past three years. Of these young men and women, 90 percent are 
continuing their education.
  Simply put, they are doing amazing work in this small community. You 
cannot argue with results and I would like to extend my congratulations 
to all of the people who have made this honor for Riverdale High 
possible.

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