[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 192 (Wednesday, December 14, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8599-S8600]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING ORONO MIDDLE SCHOOL

 Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, today, I commend Orono Middle 
School of Orono, ME, on being named a 2011 National Blue Ribbon School 
of Excellence. This prestigious recognition of high accomplishment was 
bestowed by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.
  Created in 1982, the Blue Ribbon Schools award is considered the 
highest honor an American school can obtain. Schools singled out for 
this national recognition reflect the goals of our Nation's education 
reforms for high standards and accountability. Specifically, the Blue 
Ribbon Schools Program is designed to honor public and private schools 
that are either academically superior in their States or that 
demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement.
  This award recognizes that Orono Middle School students achieve at 
the highest level academically. Orono Middle School is a top-performing 
school

[[Page S8600]]

on State-required assessments, and staff at the school use assessments 
throughout the academic year as a tool for improving and customizing 
instruction. The school also involves students in extracurricular 
activities, which helps forge a strong school community where students 
are connected and encouraged to pursue their interests.
  I applaud not only the students but also the teachers, staff, 
administrators, and parents of Orono Middle School. Together, they are 
succeeding in their mission to generate confidence and momentum for 
learning. They are making a difference in the lives of their students, 
helping them reach their full potential as independent, responsible 
learners and citizens.
  I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Education has selected Orono 
Middle School for this well-deserved honor, and I congratulate the 
entire community for this outstanding achievement.

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