[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 136 (Friday, October 4, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1443-E1444]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING ST. FRANCIS XAVIER PARISH SCHOOL FOR BEING NAMED A BLUE RIBBON 
                                 SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 4, 2013

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate St. Francis 
Xavier Parish School, an exemplary Catholic school in La Grange, 
Illinois, for receiving the prestigious 2013 U.S. Department of 
Education National Blue Ribbon School Award. Established in 1890, St. 
Francis Xavier Parish has been serving the entire community of La 
Grange through religious and academic education as well as community 
service.
  In 1982, the Department of Education established the National Blue 
Ribbon Schools Program to recognize public and private schools boasting 
high or significantly improved achievement. The program's goal is to 
identify aspects of thriving American schools in order to replicate 
their success. I am proud that one of the exceptional schools being 
honored is not only located in my district, but sits only a couple of 
miles from my home. I enjoy participating in the annual Falcon 5k run 
and other events for the school.
  The mission of St. Francis Xavier Parish School is to provide 
students with academic excellence centered in the Catholic values of 
prayer, learning, and service. Each student pledges to uphold these 
principles and be a citizen of the world and ``represent the mission of 
my school with dignity and grace.'' Since 1917 when the school opened 
its doors, the faculty and staff have been providing an excellent 
education to students based on these founding values.
  Today, St. Francis Xavier School offers programs from preschool 
through eighth grade and attracts students from La Grange, La Grange 
Park, and surrounding communities, currently enrolling more than 600 
students. As

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a proud graduate of Catholic and Jesuit schools, I understand the 
rigorous and engaging curriculum that emphasizes Mathematics, Social 
Studies, Science, Technology, Language Arts, and Religion. The St. 
Francis Xavier School offers challenging educational experiences that 
foster success, promote unity, and respect the individuality of each 
student.
  Please join me in celebrating the accomplishments of St. Francis 
Xavier Parish School and all the National Blue Ribbon award winners. 
Their pursuit of academic excellence is inspiring, and I hope that 
their success can serve as an inspiration for schools across the 
nation.