[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 142 (Wednesday, November 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1634]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING MERLE SIDENER ACADEMY FOR HIGH ABILITY STUDENTS, A BLUE 
                             RIBBON SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2014

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an 
outstanding school in my district that is being honored as a 2014 
National Blue Ribbon School. It is a pleasure to congratulate the Merle 
Sidener Academy for High Ability Students in Indianapolis, 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 the 
Sidener Academy is receiving this prestigious designation. It is a 
wonderful acknowledgement of the school's commitment to providing young 
Hoosiers an exceptional education. While 420 schools nationwide 
received nominations, only 287 were chosen as National Blue Ribbon 
Schools, making this recognition all the more impressive.
  Since opening its doors in 2008 as a magnet school for Indianapolis' 
gifted and talented students, the Sidener Academy has grown to nearly 
400 students and offers a 2nd-8th grade curriculum. The school was 
named in honor of Merle Sidener, a prominent figure in the Indianapolis 
community. After making a successful career in journalism, Sidener 
eventually served as the President of the Indianapolis Board of School 
Commissioners.
  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 the Sidener Academy 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 
the Sidener Academy. I am very proud of you.

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