[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 7, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E27]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING ST. CLETUS SCHOOL FOR RECEIVING THE NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON 
                              SCHOOL AWARD

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 7, 2015

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Cletus 
Elementary School, an exemplary Catholic school in La Grange, Illinois, 
for receiving the prestigious 2014 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. Only 50 private schools across the country were awarded 
Blue Ribbons in 2014.
  Led by Principal Margaret Hayes, the mission of St. Cletus School is 
``to focus on faith, family, and future.'' In addition, ``The Catholic 
formation of students is strengthened through academic excellence. 
Self-worth and individuality are respected.'' Since September 1953, the 
school has offered a rigorous and engaging curriculum. The core 
academic program is supplemented with instruction in art, music, 
physical education, hands-on science lab activities, technology, and 
Spanish classes. This prestigious elementary school offers an 
integrated curriculum to motivate students to understand the connection 
between the classroom and the student's call to faith. St Cletus School 
has made a rigorous effort to improve student performance, while also 
creating a strong partnership between parents and teachers.
  I am delighted that the exemplary work of the teachers and support 
staff at St. Cletus School, as well as that of the parents and 
students, has been acknowledged on a national stage. I also want to 
congratulate and acknowledge the work of the priests of St. Cletus 
Parish, Pastor Bob Clark and Associate Pastors Ken Baker and Edgar 
Rodriguez.
  Please join me in celebrating the accomplishments of St. Cletus 
School. Their pursuit of academic excellence is inspiring, and I hope 
that their success can be replicated across the nation.

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