[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING BRANDON ACADEMY'S DESIGNATION AS A 2010 BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL

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                          HON. ADAM H. PUTNAM

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2010

  Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Brandon Academy of 
Brandon, Florida, for winning the prestigious 2010 National Blue Ribbon 
Schools award. This recognition of incredible accomplishment was 
bestowed on the Academy by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.
  Brandon Academy is a private school in Hillsborough County that 
provides for the intellectual development of 227 pre-kindergarten 
through 8th grade students. It boasts one of the most well-balanced 
curriculums in the nation, offering exceptional instruction in math, 
science, writing, and the arts. Thus, the Academy equips its students 
with the skills they need to become upstanding, productive, and well-
informed citizens. The high achievement of the Academy's student body 
is in no small part due to the involvement of parents in their 
children's education.
  The Blue Ribbon Schools award is considered the highest honor an 
American school can obtain. Schools singled out for this national honor 
reflect the goals of our nation's education reforms for high standards 
and accountability. Specifically, the Blue Ribbon Schools program is 
designed to honor public and private schools that are either 
academically superior in their states or that demonstrate dramatic 
gains in student achievement.
  I applaud Head of School Robert Rudolph and Principal Sondra 
Cliggitt, as well as the teachers and students of Brandon Academy for 
their hard work and commitment to excellence. A good education is 
essential to ensuring that future generations lead more successful, 
fulfilling lives. They are making a true difference in the lives of so 
many, and building communities that improve students' learning.

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