[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 16, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING W.T. WOODSON HIGH SCHOOL'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 16, 2013

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate W.T. Woodson High 
School on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary. Since the school opened 
its doors in September of 1962, W.T. Woodson High School has been known 
for being one of the top public high schools, not only in Virginia but 
also in the nation. The school was named for Mr. Wilbert Tucker 
Woodson, who served as superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools 
from 1929 to 1961.
   Woodson excels in every area including academics, athletics, music, 
and student clubs and activities. Year after year, Woodson is featured 
in the top 100 list of U. S. public schools in Newsweek and U. S. News 
& World Report, and it continually ranks near the top in Fairfax County 
in the numbers of National Merit Scholars. Academic awards have 
included grand prizes at the county Science Fair, and numerous 
scholarships. In 2011, teacher Sam Gee led his team to the first ever 
win on ``It's Academic.'' A recent study by the Organization for 
Economic Co-operation and Development found that Woodson's students 
outperform students in every country and region in the world except 
Shanghai-China in reading.
   In the 1980s, Woodson received The Washington Post Athletic All-
Around (all sports) Award. Athletics continues to be a part of the 
``Woodson Way''--the school has won 177 District Titles, 65 Regional 
Titles, and 30 State Titles in all areas of athletic competition.
   Music has also had a strong tradition at Woodson. The choral music 
department presents a mammoth production each February known as 
``Dessert on Broadway.'' The Cavalier Band has won top honors in 
national competitions. The orchestra is renowned for its talented 
musicians. The choral group traveled to Vienna, Austria, and Paris, 
where students performed at Notre Dame. In 2011, The Chamber Ensemble 
had the honor of being chosen to perform at the White House. The 
Cavalier (yearbook), The Cavalcade (newspaper) and the P.A.G.E. 
Literary Magazine annually take top awards in state and national 
publications competitions.
   Finally, Woodson's vision includes academic excellence for all 
members of the community. Woodson is now home to a center for students 
who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and a center for students with 
emotional and learning disabilities. The building is one of the most 
used in Fairfax County, as it houses both Adult Education and Night 
School.
   On a personal note, as the father of a Woodson graduate, I can speak 
firsthand to the high-quality educational experience and supportive 
atmosphere cultivated by the Woodson staff and community. Mr. Speaker, 
I ask that my colleagues rise to join me in congratulating W. T. 
Woodson High School on its 50th Anniversary and in thanking the 
dedicated educators, administrators, and families for their shared 
commitment to our youth.

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