[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 137 (Friday, August 17, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1161-E1162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CELEBRATING RAPOPORT ACADEMY'S 20TH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FLORES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 17, 2018

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate Rapoport 
Academy's 20-year milestone of educating economically disadvantaged 
students in Waco, Texas.
  Rapoport Academy focuses on serving its student population by 
providing an exceptional education that prepares them for college, 
career, and life. It is an honor to represent Rapoport Academy, as well 
as its staff, students, and families in the U.S. House of 
Representatives.
  Under the leadership of Dr. Nancy Grayson, East Waco Innovative 
School Development, Inc., now known as Rapoport Academy, was awarded a 
charter by the Texas State Board of Education in March 1998. The 
Academy opened as a public charter school in the fall of 1998 for pre-
kindergarten through second grade. The school has since expanded in 
both size and grade levels, and currently has over 850 students 
enrolled.
  In 2003, middle school classes were added, and in 2006, the Academy 
was awarded a second charter to develop a high school. The high school 
was awarded both the Texas Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math 
(T-STEM), and the Texas Early College High School (ECHS) designations 
as part of the Texas High School Project through the Communities 
Foundation of Texas, which is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates 
Foundation and the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation.
  For 20 years, Rapoport Academy has followed six core values: Respect, 
Responsibility, Integrity, Curiosity, Creativity and Hard Work. The 
staff, teachers, and students at the Academy are committed to these 
values, and they encourage one another to strive for them.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in commemorating Rapoport Academy for 
reaching this noteworthy 20-year milestone while preparing students to 
reach their full potential, discover their passions, embrace diversity, 
and become independent thinkers.
  I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the United 
States Capitol to honor Rapoport Academy's 20th anniversary.

[[Page E1162]]

  I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country during these 
difficult times, for our military men and women who protect us from 
external threats, and for our first responders who protect us here at 
home.

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