[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 156 (Tuesday, October 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING ESCONTRIAS ELEMENTARY 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 Escontrias Elementary School. Escontrias 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 Escontrias Elementary. This year only 304 schools nationwide 
received the award, and they will be honored at a ceremony in 
Washington, D.C. The Blue Ribbon validates the efforts of these schools 
to create a positive and effective learning environment.
  Escontrias principal Marivel Macias noted that the award ``has 
solidified the notion that all things are possible''. This national 
award exemplifies the dedication, persistence, and commitment that the 
Escontrias faculty, staff and community has for their students, and by 
closing the achievement gap, they will acquire the tools necessary to 
compete at a global academic level and become future world leaders.
  In times of economic uncertainty, we cannot lose sight of the 
paramount importance of our children's education, and I am honored to 
represent Escontrias Elementary School.