[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 102 (Wednesday, June 15, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H5553]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING OAK HILL CHARTER SCHOOL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the staff, 
volunteers, and board members of Oak Hill Charter School in Caldwell 
County, North Carolina.
  The school was unanimously approved by the North Carolina Charter 
Schools Advisory Board, and its doors will officially open this August.
  This accomplishment is amplified by the fact that Oak Hill is one of 
only two accelerated schools to earn this opportunity this year. Let me 
tell you, Madam Speaker, this is no small feat.
  Recently, I received a heartfelt email from Kelly McIntyre, the board 
chair of the school. She marveled at how God has guided the journey of 
everyone involved at Oak Hill and how along the way the right people 
and resources came together in perfect harmony.
  Kelly, I agree with you wholeheartedly. God's hand has been in your 
work every step of the way.
  Right now, nearly every single class at Oak Hill has a waiting list. 
Families are beyond enthusiastic at this opportunity for their 
children.
  The outpouring of support from the surrounding community must also be 
recognized. Donations of furniture, school supplies, and other 
essential items continue to stream in on a weekly basis, and volunteers 
continue without delay to see projects through.
  Madam Speaker, there is a quote from American anthropologist Margaret 
Mead that encapsulates the story of Oak Hill perfectly: ``Never doubt 
that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the 
world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.''
  It is clear that these committed citizens are also working in the 
will of God. In Kelly's email to me, she remarked that, ``It's the most 
amazing thing to see this mission that started as just a thought, a 
spark, grow into a force that I believe will be life-changing for 
many.''
  Madam Speaker, that sentiment is profound, and it is a direct 
reflection of the opportunity that charter schools provide across the 
country.
  Parents, teachers, and communities recognize the value of charter 
schools because they challenge a failing status quo. Charter schools 
are guaranteed operational autonomy to provide rich alternatives to 
students and families. Most importantly, they provide educational 
freedom and choice, two fundamental principles that are desperately 
needed in education right now.
  Instead of being held accountable to the education bureaucracy, 
charter schools are accountable to students, families, and their 
communities, as they should be, Madam Speaker.
  Congratulations again to everyone at Oak Hill Charter School. The 
work you will undertake and the opportunities you will provide to our 
next generation of leaders in the coming months and years will be 
nothing short of spectacular.
  May God continue to bless you in your mission of serving the Caldwell 
County community.

                          ____________________