[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 156 (Tuesday, October 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1889-E1890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING SILVA HEALTH MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL'S BLUE RIBBON AWARD FOR 
                        EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 18, 2011

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
achievements of Silva Health Magnet High School. Silva Health was 
recently honored with the 2011 National Blue Ribbon award from the 
United States Department of Education for excellence in education.
  The National Blue Ribbon School award honors both public and private 
elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve at high 
levels and also schools where the achievement gap is narrowing. Since 
1982, approximately 6,500 American schools have received this coveted 
award.
  I want to personally congratulate the teachers, administrators, and 
staff of Silva Health Magnet High School for their commitment and 
dedication to our young students in El Paso. This year only 304 schools 
nationwide received the award, and they will be honored at a ceremony 
in Washington, DC. The Blue Ribbon validates the efforts of these 
schools in creating a positive and effective learning environment. 
These schools and their communities have achieved a degree of 
excellence of which they can justifiably be proud.
  Silva Health Magnet is a fitting example of the type of educational 
curriculum and environment that encourages students to become 
interested in the fields of science, technology, engineering and 
mathematics (STEM). Our

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nation must provide more opportunities, like those at this outstanding 
school, to encourage our children and youth to focus on STEM fields and 
to help our nation remain competitive in the global economy.
  In times of economic uncertainty, we cannot lose sight of the 
paramount importance of our children's education, and I am honored to 
represent Silva Health Magnet High School.

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