[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 162 (Thursday, November 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1662]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 HONORING ST. MICHAEL SCHOOL IN ORLAND PARK FOR BEING NAMED A NATIONAL 
                           BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2013

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate St. Michael 
School, an exemplary Catholic elementary school in Orland Park, 
Illinois, for receiving the prestigious 2013 U.S. Department of 
Education National Blue Ribbon School Award.
   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 St. Michael School in Orland Park in my 
district has been honored as one of those exceptional schools.
   Since first opening its doors in 1949, St. Michael has been serving 
the community of Orland Park by providing a diverse, challenging 
curriculum that emphasizes academics, moral values, and discipline. The 
mission of St. Michael School has always been to provide students with 
a learning environment that will reinforce the principles and values of 
Church, home, and community in an effort to prepare them for lifelong 
and responsible citizenship.
   Today, St. Michael School offers programs from preschool through 
eighth grade and attracts students from Orland Park and surrounding 
communities, currently enrolling more than 600 students. As a proud 
graduate of Catholic schools, I understand the rigorous and engaging 
curriculum that emphasizes Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, 
Technology, Language Arts, and Religion. St. Michael's offers 
challenging educational experiences that foster success, promote unity, 
and respect the individuality of each student.
   Last year I had the pleasure of visiting St. Michael School during 
Catholic Schools Week. I enjoyed touring the school and visiting with 
students, and I came away very impressed with the students, teachers, 
and administrators under the leadership of Principal Bernadette 
Cuttone. It made perfect sense to me when St. Michael's was chosen as 
one of only 50 private schools nationwide that received a National Blue 
Ribbon School Award. Everyone at the school and in the parish should be 
extremely proud.
   Please join me in celebrating the accomplishments of St. Michael 
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.

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