[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 109 (Thursday, June 22, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E599]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VIENNA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 22, 2023

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Vienna Elementary 
School of Vienna, Virginia on its 150th Anniversary.
  Vienna Elementary has the distinction of being the oldest 
continuously operating school in the Fairfax County Public Schools 
system. It is also in one of the oldest buildings still operating. The 
school serves nearly 400 children between kindergarten and 6th grade.
  The faculty and staff at Vienna Elementary strive to instill a world-
class education in both academic and social domains for all students, 
equipping them with the skills to succeed in the 21st century. They 
cultivate values, attitudes, knowledge, and capabilities to nurture 
good citizenship in a safe, diverse, and instructionally rich 
environment. The students at Vienna Elementary benefit from a rich 
legacy of instruction focused on meaningful and practical applications 
to students' futures.
  From the PTA to local business and nonprofit organizations 
partnerships, Vienna Elementary is deeply ingrained in our community. 
The school hosts annual events like Bingo Night, a Holiday Shop, a 5K 
Fun Race, the GRACE Arts Program, which brings volunteer docents into 
every classroom to connect art and art history with the curriculum, 
ensuring a holistic and enriching education for the next generation.
  To commemorate this momentous occasion, community members will gather 
to enjoy cake, games, and activities for children and adults alike. The 
``birthday party'' will also include acknowledgments of the school's 
history, including roots in segregation.
  While we hope that all who attend will be able to enjoy, it is now 
more important than ever to acknowledge the systemic injustices that 
have pervaded our country's history. Our children have a right to know 
how we got to this point if we are going to task them with creating a 
brighter future.
  Vienna is one of the most culturally rich and promising localities in 
Virginia's Eleventh Congressional District, and I am proud to represent 
this community and this school. They have striven for greatness and 
instilled a drive in their students to accomplish great things and to 
work towards a future in which we can all take pride.
  Mr. Speaker, this school is a testament to the hard work of 
Virginia's teachers, parents, administrators, and everyone else who 
contributes to the education and experience of our youngest and most 
promising neighbors. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Vienna Elementary School for 150 years of dedicated service to 
Virginia's students.

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