[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 137 (Thursday, September 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO DECORAH HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2011

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the excellence in 
education in Iowa, and to specifically congratulate Decorah High School 
in Decorah, Iowa. The United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan 
announced today that Decorah High School has made the list of the 
Nation's 2011 Blue Ribbon Schools.
  The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, 
middle and high schools that are either academically superior or that 
demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement. In the words of 
Secretary Duncan, ``National Blue Ribbon Schools are committed to 
accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in 
college and careers. Their success is an example for others to 
follow.''
  Decorah High School is among the state's highest performing schools. 
Decorah High School students scored in the top ten percent in Iowa with 
at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds 
improving their performance on state assessments or nationally normed 
tests. Additionally, the students at Decorah High School averaged a 
full three points higher on their ACT scores than the national average.
  Decorah High School's principal Kim Sheppard and one additional 
teacher will be invited to Washington, DC for the awards ceremony, to 
take place on November 14th and 15th. At this ceremony, Decorah High 
School will receive a Blue Ribbon Schools plaque and a flag to signify 
its elite educational status.
  I consider it a great honor to represent Decorah High School 
Principal Kim Sheppard, the teachers, students, school board members 
and administrators of the Decorah Community School District in the 
United States Congress. I wish Decorah High School continued academic 
excellence as they provide a positive impact on future leaders of our 
state and country.

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