[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 181 (Tuesday, November 29, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING ST. LINUS SCHOOL FOR RECEIVING THE NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL 
                                 AWARD

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 2011

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of St. Linus 
School, an exemplary Catholic elementary school in Oak Lawn, Illinois, 
for receiving the prestigious 2011 U.S. Department of Education 
National Blue Ribbon School Award.
  In 1982, The Department of Education established the National Blue 
Ribbon Schools Program to recognize public and private schools boasting 
high or significantly improved achievement. The program's goal is to 
identify aspects of thriving American schools in order to replicate 
their success. This year there are 19 National Blue Ribbon Schools in 
the State of Illinois, and I am proud that one of these exceptional 
schools is located in my district.
  The school's namesake, Saint Linus, is perhaps best remembered for 
his steadfast loyalty to his mentor, St. Peter the Apostle. Linus 
succeeded Peter as the second Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and 
dedicated his life to teaching Peter's story.
  The mission of St. Linus School is ``to educate and inspire each 
child with Christ-centered values through challenging education and 
community involvement.'' Since 1956, the school has offered a rigorous 
and engaging curriculum that emphasizes mathematics, social studies, 
science, technology, language arts, and religion. In the last decade, 
the school renovated its campus to install a state-of-the-art 
technology center, as well as an updated gymnasium, science lab, and 
weather forecast camera. St. Linus School has made a concerted effort 
to improve student performance, striving to guide every pupil to their 
full potential. I am delighted that the exemplary work of the teachers, 
support staff, and priests at St. Linus School, as well as that of the 
parents and students, has been acknowledged on a national stage.
  Please join me in celebrating the accomplishments of St. Linus School 
and the other 304 National Blue Ribbon award winners. Their pursuit of 
academic excellence is inspiring, and I hope that their success can be 
replicated across the Nation.

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