[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 152 (Tuesday, October 29, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1594]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING SAINT MARIA GORETTI SCHOOL, A BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL

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                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 29, 2013

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an 
outstanding school in my district that is being honored as a 2013 
National Blue Ribbon School. It is a pleasure to congratulate Saint 
Maria Goretti School in Westfield, Indiana in celebration of this 
special occasion.
  The National Blue Ribbon designation, given by the U.S. Department of 
Education, is awarded to both public and private schools across our 
great nation. Started by President Reagan and given annually since 
1982, the award celebrates great American schools that achieve very 
high learning standards or are making significant improvements in the 
academic achievements of their students. In my district and across the 
country, the award recognizes the great educators, students and parents 
who have worked so hard to ensure Indiana's children reach their full 
potential and achieve academic success.
  For all of these reasons and many more, I am so proud that Saint 
Maria Goretti School is receiving this prestigious designation. It is a 
wonderful acknowledgement of the school's commitment to providing young 
Hoosiers an exceptional education. While 417 schools nationwide may be 
nominated, only 286 are chosen as a National Blue Ribbon School, making 
this recognition all the more impressive.
  Since opening in 1996, Saint Maria Goretti School has consistently 
provided its students with an outstanding education in both academics 
and the Catholic faith and currently serves 460 students in grades K-8. 
The school starts each day with a prayer that provides guiding 
principles for its students. As a mother whose children attended 
Catholic school, I applaud Saint Maria Goretti for its work to develop 
each child in mind, body, and spirit.
  As a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, I also want 
to acknowledge how important it is to our nation's future to encourage 
and raise a new generation of Americans who have the skills and 
knowledge to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Students like 
those at Saint Maria Goretti School give me hope that we will 
accomplish this vital mission. Their outstanding work is an inspiration 
to students, educators and parents across the nation. Once again, 
congratulations to Saint Maria Goretti School. I am very proud of you.

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