[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 161 (Tuesday, October 25, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1928]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING JEFF DAVIS H.S. ON ITS 85TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 25, 2011

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jeff 
Davis High School in Houston, Texas, for their 85 years of excellence 
and dedication to improving the education of young adults.
  As a Jeff Davis High School graduate I am proud to say that since 
1925, Jeff Davis has established a legacy of success in academics as 
well as in extracurricular programs by providing students with 
opportunities to ensure that they are equipped with the tools that are 
necessary to excel. Due to the hard work of the school's faculty and 
staff, Jefferson Davis has been able to significantly decrease its 
dropout rate and increase its programs to prepare students for college. 
In 2009 Jefferson Davis increased its number of students enrolled in 
dual credit courses in Houston area colleges by 450 percent. Since 1993 
the school has sent approximately 100 juniors to participate in the 
Cornell Summer Program, where students are able to spend a summer at 
Cornell University to earn college credit while still in high school.
  In just the last school year, Jeff Davis was recognized for the 
dedication to decreasing dropout rates and increasing the number of 
college-bound students. Jeff Davis has been nominated as a candidate to 
be featured on the U.S. Department of Education ``Doing What Works'' 
website based on its success with dropout prevention. One hundred 
fifty-two students were able to successfully earn college credit 
through dual enrollment at the University of Houston Downtown and 
Houston Community College and over 50 individuals were awarded in 
numerous UIL competitions in areas such as math, writing, and 
accounting. In 2009-2010, the graduation rate increased to 80 percent 
and there was an amazing 250 percent increase in student advanced 
placement passing scores. In 2008-2009, the school became TEA 
recognized for the first time in Davis history and received the Gold 
Performance Acknowledgement for comparable improvement in mathematics. 
In recognition of this outstanding work, Jeff Davis was recognized as 
one of the top ten most improved high schools in Harris County and its 
surrounding counties by Children At Risk.
  In 1993, Project GRAD & Gear Up programs were founded by former 
Tenneco CEO James Ketelsen at Jeff Davis. This program provides 
scholarships to students as an incentive to complete high school and 
continue their education after graduation. Last year the program 
awarded 2.8 million dollars in scholarships to over 700 graduating 
seniors in HISD.
  Jefferson Davis offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, 
ensuring that students become well rounded and are given a wide range 
of opportunities to prepare them for our ever-changing society. In 
2010, Davis received international recognition in Robotics, as well as 
significant regional awards in dance, ROTC and Culinary Arts.
  I congratulate the past and present administration, faculty, staff, 
and students of Jefferson Davis High School for all of their hard work 
and dedication to excellence.

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