[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 15 (Monday, January 27, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING NATIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2014

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                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 27, 2014

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Catholic 
Schools Week and honor the accomplishments of America's Catholic 
schools. This year is the 40th anniversary of National Catholic Schools 
Week, an annual celebration of Catholic education.
  With more than two million students enrolled nationwide, Catholic 
schools equip children with the knowledge and skills that will serve 
them for the rest of their lives. Catholic schools are pillars of 
academic excellence, graduating 99 percent of high school students and 
sending 85 percent on to college.
  But these institutions go beyond merely providing a quality 
education. They also strive to instill values of faith and a commitment 
to social justice and service that grow today's students into 
tomorrow's leaders.
  Catholic schools extend those same values to their local 
neighborhoods and communities. Beyond the classroom, schools encourage 
their students to give back and work together to improve the world 
around them. This dedication is on display every day in Illinois' 5th 
Congressional District at schools like Guerin College Prep High School 
in River Grove, Immaculate Conception High School in Elmhurst, St. 
Andrew School and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Academy in Chicago and many 
more.
  Finally, Catholic schools demonstrate an admirable spirit of 
diversity and acceptance. Nearly 20 percent of attendees practice other 
faiths and more racial and ethnic minorities continue to enroll in 
Catholic institutions.
  Catholic schools have a rich tradition of providing exceptional 
educations to our nation's youth. Today, I honor their many 
contributions and thank them for their service to our students and our 
communities.

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