[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12625]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                   TRIBUTE TO BEDFORD MEMORIAL SCHOOL

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President I rise today to 
honor the Bedford Memorial School for being selected as the 1999 Top 
Elementary School of the Year by the Excellence in Education Committee. 
The ``Excellence in Education'' award is an annual program designed to 
identify one elementary, middle, and secondary school that is 
representative of the many outstanding schools in New Hampshire.
  The Bedford Memorial School was chosen for this honor because of the 
dedication and commitment to education by its teachers, parents, and 
students. Its exemplary partnership with home and community and 
outstanding mentoring program for all staff has created an environment 
conductive to the development of young minds.
  I admire this school's commitment to excellence. Over the last five 
years they have taken on challenging initiatives, participated in goals 
setting, created a community school council, and forged school-business 
partnerships. Student focus is also one of Bedford Memorial's 
strengths. The many co-curricular programs, an excellent special 
education department, and a gifted program are able to serve the 
students' individual needs. The school's success is epitomized in the 
school's motto ``The partnership of home, school, and community is 
essential to achieve our goal of academic excellence.''
  The teahers, parents, and students of this school hold a special 
place in my heart. Over the years, Mary Jo and I have visited the 
Bedford Memorial School many times, had the chance to meet both 
students and faculty, and have had the honor of teaching several 
classes there. This close involvement with the school has allowed me to 
witness, first-hand, the quality of education that is provided at this 
school.
  The honor of being named Top Elementary School of the Year is a 
fitting end to an era for Bedford Memorial School. I am confident that 
as they take on additional grades and students, their school spirit 
will only continue to grow.
  As a former teacher and school board member, I understand the 
tremendous impact teachers have on a child's life. The Bedford Memorial 
School is a testament to the tradition of molding students into 
successful adults. I wish to offer my most sincere congratulations and 
best wishes to the Bedford Memorial School. The school's achievements 
are truly remarkable. I feel honored to have had such a close 
relationship with the Bedford Memorial School and represent them in the 
United States Senate. 

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