[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 162 (Monday, November 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1436-E1437]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CONGRATULATING GEIST ELEMENTARY, 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 Geist 
Elementary in Fishers, 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 Geist 
Elementary 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.
  To be chosen for the Blue Ribbon designation, schools must rank in 
the top 15 percent of all schools on ISTEP assessments in both reading 
and mathematics. Teachers work to meet kids at their needs and find 
what students need to be successful. Geist Elementary provides students 
with a nurturing learning environment that allows them to build 
meaningful relationships and academic self-confidence that they can 
carry on throughout the rest of their lives. Students are encouraged to 
engage with their school and the real world, through the support of 
teachers and staff for many student generated projects. Through the 
dedicated efforts of teachers and hard work of their students, Geist 
Elementary has truly earned this recognition. Geist Elementary equips 
students with valuable relationships, support, and never-ending 
opportunities to learn.
  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 Geist 
Elementary 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 Geist 
Elementary. I am very proud of you

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