[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 19 (Monday, January 29, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E103]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         COMMEMORATING THE 2018 NATIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 29, 2018

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize all of the Catholic 
schools and parishes in the 18th District of Illinois and across the 
nation that will be participating in National Catholic Schools Week. 
This week, over seven thousand Catholic schools will host more than two 
million students to celebrate this year's theme: ``Learn. Serve. Lead. 
Succeed.''
  The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) has proven 
extraordinary leadership and development with 99 percent of all 
students graduating high school and 85.7 percent go on to higher 
education. The NCEA's legacy of success is a testament to the quality 
education and guidance through faith that each student receives during 
their time at Catholic schools.
  As a graduate of St. Anne Grade School in East Moline, Illinois and 
Spalding Catholic High School in Peoria, Illinois, it is my privilege 
to be an original co-sponsor of legislation that recognizes and 
supports National Catholic Schools Week. The education and religious 
values that these institutions instill serve as a strong foundation for 
a fulfilling relationship with God and inform our daily lives with 
lessons of faith.
  I am thankful every day for the experiences and lessons that I have 
gained through my Catholic upbringing, and I am grateful that my three 
sons also attend Catholic schools that will prepare them to learn, 
serve, lead, and succeed like so many other children across the nation.
  While we reflect this week on the impact that our schools have had on 
our spiritual growth, let us also recognize the contributions that the 
National Catholic Educational Association continually provides for our 
communities. Once again, I am pleased to commemorate National Catholic 
Schools Week and I look forward to many more years of continued success 
and celebration.

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