[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 17, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H5556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE CNMI PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM ON ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY

  (Mr. SABLAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, public education in the Northern Mariana 
Islands was transformed 25 years ago by the Education Act of 1988, 
creating an autonomous public school system outside of the executive 
branch of government, overseen by an elected board of education.
  This decision coincided with a period of political maturation, 
economic expansion, and population growth on the islands; and the 
intervening years have proven its value. PSS students are excelling, 
winning national awards for their acting talent, debate skills, 
spelling abilities, and science acuity.
  This year alone, the Marianas High School Aeronautical Dolphins won 
the national Real World Design Challenge and $50,000 scholarships for 
each team member. Three students were awarded Gates Millennium 
scholarships. It is the third year in a row students from our small 
community have won. Last summer, Saipan Southern High School's Manta 
Ray Band performed at the Olympics and brought home a silver medal from 
the London Celebration Music Festival.
  These achievements were made possible through the extraordinary and 
cumulative support of the leaders, teachers, and staff of the public 
school system.
  Please join me in saluting PSS for 25 years of service to our youth.

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