[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 162 (Monday, November 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONGRATULATING UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, A BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL

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                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2016

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an 
outstanding school in my district that is being honored as a 2016 
National Blue Ribbon School. It is a pleasure to congratulate Union 
Elementary School in Zionsville, Indiana in celebration of this special 
occasion.
  The National Blue Ribbon designation, given by the United States 
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 Union 
Elementary School is receiving this prestigious designation. It is a 
wonderful acknowledgement of the school's commitment to providing young 
Hoosiers an exceptional education. While hundreds of schools nationwide 
were nominated, only 329 schools were designated as 2016 National Blue 
Ribbon Schools, making this recognition all the more impressive.
  Union Elementary School provides students with a caring environment 
where both teachers and parents collaborate with students to meet their 
full potential. Through a rigorous curriculum, including early literacy 
intervention and the integration of technology, students achieve 
academic excellence. Additionally, students have the opportunity 
outside of the classroom to participate in extracurricular activities 
to enhance their knowledge and interest in foreign languages, STEM 
fields, the arts, and many more disciplines.
  As an advocate for education and youth, 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 Union 
Elementary School 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 Union Elementary School. I am very proud of you.

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