[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING MISSION EARLY COLLEGE HIGH 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 Mission Early College High School. Mission Early 
College 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 Mission Early College High School for their commitment and 
dedication to our young students in El Paso. This year only 269 schools 
nationwide received the award, and a ceremony in Washington, D.C. will 
honor their achievement. 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.
  Mission Early College 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 
leadership, hard work, and dedication, Mission Early College is 
enabling a new generation of community leaders. In fact, upon 
completion of their high school career at Mission Early College High 
School, students not only graduate with a high school diploma, but can 
also earn up to 60 hours of college credit and an associate's degree. 
This opportunity for excellence and achievement is giving many students 
an early and critical exposure to college academics.
  In times of economic uncertainty, we cannot lose sight of the 
paramount importance of our children's education, and I am honored to 
represent Mission Early College High School.

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