[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 149 (Tuesday, December 9, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6444-S6445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING ST. PATRICK SCHOOL

 Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, I wish to applaud St. Patrick 
School of Chesterton, IN for being recognized as a 2014 National Blue 
Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
  Established in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools program has 
recognized over 7,000 public and nonpublic schools that demonstrate a 
vision of educational excellence for all students, regardless of their 
social or economic

[[Page S6445]]

background. Since its inception, this program has offered the 
opportunity for schools in every State to gain recognition for 
educational accomplishments in closing the achievement gaps among 
student groups.
  Recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department 
of Education is based on a school being measured as either an 
``Exemplary High Performing School''--where schools are among the 
State's highest scorers in English and mathematics--or as an 
``Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School''--where schools with at 
least 40 percent of their student body coming from disadvantaged 
backgrounds have reduced the achievement gap in English and mathematics 
within the last 5 years. St. Patrick School has made great strides in 
the area of improved proficiency in both English and mathematics.
  As a Four Star School, St. Patrick's takes great care to integrate 
elements of Catholic faith into its curriculum. Consisting of strong 
morals, a deeply rooted faith in community, and a strong sense of 
respectful conduct, the staff at St. Patrick challenges its students to 
put their faith into action through community service and social 
engagement on global issues.
  I wish to acknowledge Principal Richard John Rupcich of St. Patrick 
School, the entire staff, and the student body. It undoubtedly took 
hard work and dedication to achieve this prestigious award.
  On behalf of the citizens of Indiana, I congratulate St. Patrick 
School, and I wish them continued success in the future.

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