[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 204 (Thursday, December 14, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING KEWANEE, ILLINOIS FOR BEING NAMED A FINALIST FOR THE 
                     2017 GOVERNOR'S HOMETOWN AWARD

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                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 14, 2017

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kewanee, 
Illinois for being named a finalist for the 2017 Governor's Hometown 
Award due to its outstanding Step Ladder Tutoring Program.
  The Step Ladder Tutoring Program targets middle school special 
education, borderline, and struggling general education students who 
need academic assistance. Certified middle school teachers serve as 
site coordinators for the Step Ladder Tutoring Program, while a system 
of community volunteers, middle school students, high school students, 
college students and AmeriCorps members serve as tutors for the 
program. During the 2014-2015 school year, all eighth grade students 
receiving assistance were promoted to the ninth grade. 75 percent of 
the students had improved skills in math and reading, and 80 percent of 
the students had improved attendance rates and an overall improved 
attitude toward school and learning.
  The generous and ambitious volunteers and leaders of the Step Ladder 
Tutoring Program make me especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th 
Congressional District.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Kewanee, 
Illinois for being named a finalist for the 2017 Governor's Hometown 
Award and recognize all who organize and contribute to the Step Ladder 
Tutoring Program for their outstanding efforts and accomplishments.

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