[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CELEBRATING NATIONAL GEAR UP WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHAKA FATTAH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2012

  Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Speaker, last week the nation celebrated National 
GEAR UP Week. Communities across the country committed themselves to a 
brighter future for their students and families and emphasized the 
important role college plays in future success. I would like to draw 
the attention of my colleagues to a few of these celebrations. 
Governors in Arizona, Hawaii, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Washington, Wisconsin 
and North Carolina received proclamations from their governors. In 
Santa Ana and Sacramento, California and Roswell, New Mexico, they 
received proclamations from their mayors.
  Our colleagues Mr. Lungren and Ms. Matsui issued proclamations 
celebrating the GEAR UP work in their Districts. In San Marcos, 
California they hosted an inaugural GEAR UP partnership reception with 
their local Chamber of Commerce and presented certificates of 
recognition to Congressman Hunter and State Senator Mark Wyland. In 
Waterbury, Connecticut they held a middle school parent evening and 
were joined by special guest NBA star, Ryan Gomes. Congressman Hanna 
issued a proclamation and Congressman Reyes presented a letter to the 
GEAR UP community in Deep South Texas. Congressman Cuellar spoke to 
students in Laredo, Texas along with Debra Saunders-White from the US 
Department of Education.
  Many other GEAR UP partnership and state grantees conducted college 
scavenger hunts, created Dream Walls, discussed the college experience 
of school faculty and staff and engaged parents and partners.
  I'm proud of the hard work of our students, their parents, and GEAR 
UP program staff and I know I speak for this body when I say 
congratulations on what you have accomplished so far and best of luck 
in the school year ahead!

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