[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 123 (Thursday, September 13, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  HONORING ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS PARISH SCHOOL FOR BEING NAMED A BLUE 
                             RIBBON SCHOOL

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 13, 2012

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate St. John of 
the Cross Parish School, an exemplary Catholic school in Western 
Springs, Illinois, for receiving the prestigious 2012 U.S. Department 
of Education National Blue Ribbon School Award. As a member of this 
parish, I am especially happy to see the hard work of the students, 
teachers, administrators, and parents recognized, and I want to 
congratulate Principal Kathleen Gorman, as well as our pastor, Rev. 
David P. Dowdle.
  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 attributes of thriving American schools in order to replicate 
their success in other schools. St. John of the Cross is one of only 50 
private schools across the Nation to be named as a National Blue Ribbon 
School this year. This is a great achievement for everyone at the 
school and all members of the parish.
  The mission of St. John of the Cross Parish School is to provide a 
safe and dynamic Catholic environment where faith is nourished and 
knowledge grows. The school offers challenging educational experiences 
that foster success, promote unity, and respect the individuality of 
each student. Since 1961, the school has prided itself on multi-
generational Catholic traditions and achievement. St. John of the Cross 
has maintained a strong Catholic identity and strong academic standards 
throughout its history. In 2011, the school proudly celebrated its 50th 
anniversary.
  St. John of the Cross Parish School offers programs from preschool 
through eighth grade and attracts students from Western Springs and 
surrounding communities, currently enrolling 630 students. Since its 
founding, the school has been supported by the St. John of the Cross 
Parish and has grown to become one of the largest Catholic schools in 
Chicago's Archdiocese. St. John of the Cross Parish School offers 
impressive science, technology, and art facilities as well as a wide 
range of student activities. All students are involved in the religious 
activities of the parish and participate in a variety of service 
projects. Today, the school benefits from the hard work and dedication 
of its principal, Kathleen Gorman, as well as its assistant principals, 
Zita Wheeling and Tom Clausing. This award recognizes the time and hard 
work of the teachers and students, as well as the critical support and 
involvement of the students' parents and the entire parish community. I 
am delighted that the excellent work and success of St. John of the 
Cross Parish School has been acknowledged on a national stage.
  Please join me in celebrating the accomplishments of St. John of the 
Cross Parish School and all the National Blue Ribbon award winners. 
Their pursuit of academic excellence is inspiring, and I hope that 
their success can serve as a model for schools across the Nation.

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