[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONGRATULATING WILLOW SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL

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                          HON. JASON T. SMITH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 25, 2013

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Willow Springs High School for being named a 2013 National Blue Ribbon 
School. Willow Springs was one of just 286 schools selected from across 
the country to receive this honor.
  Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized for high levels of student 
achievement or for significant improvements in students' academic 
achievement. Willow Springs was named an Exemplary High Performing 
School. I am extremely proud of the hard work of the students, as well 
as the continued efforts of the faculty, parents, and community to 
ensure that students succeed and the achievement gap is closed. Willow 
Springs' students have scored at the top of national tests and 
assessments in reading and mathematics. Concentrated efforts on 
improving curriculum, instructional strategies, and assessment methods 
have clearly paid off.
  This prestigious honor proves that every student can succeed and meet 
the high expectations that are set for them. I hope Willow Springs can 
serve as a model for other schools in my district and throughout the 
entire state of Missouri.
  I look forward to the awards ceremony in November here in Washington, 
D.C. Again, I want to congratulate Willow Springs High School 
principal, Mrs. Jimalee James, and superintendent, Derrick Hutsell, for 
this great achievement.

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