[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21932]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FRANK C. LEAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL UPON BEING NAMED 
              A NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE

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                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 29, 2005

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, on September 22nd, 
the Frank C. Leal Elementary School of Cerritos was awarded the 
distinct honor of being named a National Blue Ribbon School of 
Excellence. Frank C. Leal Elementary joins 33 other public schools and 
seven additional private schools in the State of California who have 
also been named National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. I commend 
the efforts of each and every one of these outstanding California 
schools.
  The Blue Ribbon Schools is a national recognition program sponsored 
by the U.S. Department of Education. The 22-year-old program encourages 
states to nominate public and private kindergarten through grade twelve 
schools that are either academically superior or demonstrate dramatic 
gains in student achievement.
  This Blue Ribbon distinction duly recognizes the level of excellence 
that is achieved everyday at Frank C. Leal Elementary School of 
Cerritos. This school is setting a national example of what it takes to 
be a superior learning environment. It is absolutely essential that our 
schools continue to strive for excellence, if we want our students to 
realize their academic potential.
  Frank C. Leal Elementary School is a visual and performing arts 
magnet school, and is a testament to the impact that an arts education 
can have on a student's academic achievement. I commend the hard 
working teachers and school administrators of Frank C. Leal Elementary 
School of Cerritos for their contributions and commitment to our young 
people. I also would like to recognize the parents and our community 
for supporting the Frank C. Leal Elementary School's efforts to help 
every child reach their full potential.
  Education has always been tied to the promise of equality and 
opportunity for all and the ABC Unified School District and the 
community of Cerritos have worked hard to give every student an equal 
chance to succeed. Congratulations to the Frank C. Leal Elementary 
School of Cerritos and the ABC Unified School District for this 
incredible achievement!

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