[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 130 (Friday, September 27, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1391-E1392]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF WORCESTER TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL AND PRINCIPAL SHEILA 
                                HARRITY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 2013

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues in the 
U.S. House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the incredible 
accomplishments of Worcester Technical High School under the leadership 
of Principal Sheila Harrity.
  Worcester Technical High School, located in my hometown of Worcester, 
Massachusetts, is on the cutting edge of career and technical 
education. Recognizing the importance of coupling academic rigor with 
hands-on experience, Worcester Tech has developed a curriculum to 
ensure students graduate college-and-career ready. With a focus on 
robust STEM education, faculty members at Worcester Tech are preparing 
students for careers in highly technological industries. In recognition 
of this academic excellence and improved student achievement, Worcester 
Tech was recently named a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. 
Department of Education.
  Worcester Tech is a well-respected institution in our city, and 
students of the school have demonstrated their commitment to giving 
back to Worcester by completing various community service projects that 
range from land maintenance and water testing to constructing a low-
income LEED certified house. The school has also partnered with 
institutions of higher learning to advance their knowledge. For 
example, Worcester Tech recently partnered with Worcester Polytechnic 
Institute to construct a modular, zero-energy home and compete in a 
Solar Decathlon in Datong, China.
  Additionally, Worcester Technical High School is leader in robotics 
education. The school is home to the nationally recognized Robotics and 
Automation Technology Team

[[Page E1392]]

known as the Tech-Know Commandos, winners of the 2013 VEX Robotics 
World Championship trophy.
  All of this would not be possible without the talented faculty and 
staff of Worcester Technical High School, including Principal Sheila 
Harrity. Ms. Harrity has demonstrated a deep passion for and commitment 
to advancing educational outcomes for the students of Worcester Tech, 
and has transformed the school into an innovative learning center. Her 
incredible efforts have earned her the 2014 National High School 
Principal of the Year award by MetLife and the National Association of 
Secondary School Principals.
  I'm so proud to represent the faculty, students, and staff of 
Worcester Tech, a leader in career and technical education, and look 
forward to their future successes. I ask you to join me in 
congratulating Worcester Technical High School for being selected as a 
2013 National Blue Ribbon School, and in honoring Principal Sheila 
Harrity for her lifelong commitment to education.

                          ____________________