[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 10 (Thursday, January 17, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H681-H682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING RIDGWAY AREA HIGH SCHOOL AS A NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
congratulate Ridgway Area High School for being named a National Blue 
Ribbon School.
  Since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has identified and 
celebrated excellence in education through the Blue Ribbon Award.
  Ridgway Area High School's tradition of academic excellence is a 
testament to this rural community's dedication to the importance of 
education. Like many small communities, the high school serves as a 
central hub in Ridgway. Faculty and staff work diligently to help each 
student reach their fullest potential.
  Ridgway Area High School knows that families and community 
stakeholders are vital to the educational mission. They strongly value 
the idea that students who are involved in teams, groups, and community 
service

[[Page H682]]

initiatives are those who grow habits of engagement that lead to 
productive citizenship. All graduating seniors are required to have 
completed 50 hours of community service in local nonprofit 
organizations in the Ridgway community in an effort to instill in all 
students a sense of service above self.
  Madam Speaker, I wholeheartedly congratulate Ridgway Area High School 
on this outstanding achievement.

                          ____________________