[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING DOUGLAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2012

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
achievements of Douglas Elementary School. Douglas was recently honored 
with the 2012 National Blue Ribbon award from the United States 
Department of Education for excellence in education.
  The National Blue Ribbon School award honors both public and private 
elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve at high 
levels and also schools where the achievement gap is narrowing. Since 
1982, more than 6,700 of America's schools have received this coveted 
award.
  I want to personally congratulate the teachers, administrators, and 
staff of Douglas Elementary School for their commitment and dedication 
to our young students in El Paso. This year only 269 schools nationwide 
received the award, and all will be honored in a ceremony in 
Washington, DC. The Blue Ribbon validates the efforts of these schools 
in creating a positive and effective learning environment. These 
schools and their communities have achieved a degree of excellence of 
which they can justifiably be proud.
  Douglas is a fine example of what can be accomplished when parents, 
teachers and administrators collaborate to prepare our students for a 
prosperous future. By emphasizing the importance of literacy, math, and 
science, Douglas is enabling a new generation of community leaders.
  In times of economic uncertainty, we cannot lose sight of the 
paramount importance of our children's education, and I am honored to 
represent Douglas Elementary School.

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