[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2181]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 27, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Resolution 26, honoring the contributions of Catholic schools. As a 
Catholic school graduate, I know the value of a Catholic education. I 
know first hand that Catholic schools teach students discipline, pride 
and respect for learning. I am so grateful to the priests, nuns and lay 
persons who taught me at St. Peter's Elementary, Holy Name Elementary, 
Parmadale, St. Aloysius Elementary, St. Colman Elementary and St. John 
Cantius High School for their love and guidance through my formative 
years.
  I especially wish to recognize the delegation of students, teachers 
and parents who will make the National Appreciation Day for Catholic 
Schools a special day this coming Wednesday. Their commitment to 
ensuring an exceptional education and maintaining quality Catholic 
schools ensures that Catholic students in the future will continue to 
benefit from outstanding educational opportunities. An overwhelming 
percentage of Catholic high school graduates attend college, which is a 
sign of the excellent work of our Catholic School system.
  I would also like to recognize the National Catholic Educational 
Association (NCEA) for their efforts to promote educational and 
catechetical goals. By sponsoring programs like the Seton Awards, which 
recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to 
Catholic education, the NCEA works diligently to insure better 
education across America.
  Providing quality educational opportunities for all children is one 
of the most important goals of our society. I wish to congratulate 
Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers across the Nation for 
their ongoing contributions to education. They play critical roles in 
promoting and ensuring a stronger and brighter future for America.

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