[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 72 (Friday, May 18, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H3108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  0910
                      HONORING BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS

  (Mr. BARTLETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BARTLETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two very special 
schools in the Sixth District of Maryland which were honored this year 
as Federal Blue Ribbon Schools: Bel Air Elementary School in Cumberland 
and Oklahoma Road Middle School in Eldersburg.
  Since 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program of the 
Department of Education has recognized schools where students achieve 
the very highest academic level.
  I would like to particularly mention the women who lead these 
schools.
  Mrs. Autumn Eirich brings a spark of excitement to Bel Air Elementary 
with her positive attitude and her dedication to the school community. 
She facilitated the Bel Air philosophy: School Centered on Reaching 
Excellence, or SCORE.
  The Oklahoma Road Middle School has adopted the motto, ``Good, 
Better, Best,'' to encourage educational and social achievement for all 
their students. Ms. Catherine Hood symbolizes that motto with her 
leadership style of collegiality and stewardship, which has created an 
atmosphere of trust and fosters a positive learning environment.
  With educational leaders like Autumn Eirich and Catherine Hood and 
dedicated students like those at Bel Air Elementary and Oklahoma Road 
Middle School, America's future is bright.

                          ____________________