[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25875]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          IN HONOR OF SS. CYRIL AND METHODIUS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the teachers, 
staff, administrators and students of SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic 
School, in celebration of their newly appointed status from the U.S. 
Department of Education as a No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon School of 
Excellence.
  This significant tribute, awarded to less than 300 schools 
nationwide, represents the highest levels of academic excellence, 
achievement and improvement. The Blue Ribbon School of Excellence 
recognition also honors schools in which at least 40 percent of 
students come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  Reverend Jerome Duke, Pastor of SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic 
Church, turned down an offer to merge his school with three other local 
Catholic Schools. His decision mirrors his dedication to the east side 
neighborhoods of Lakewood and his true commitment and service to the 
families and children of SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic School. 
Reverend Duke knew that if the school had merged, most families would 
have been unable to afford the tuition at the new school.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Reverend Jerome Duke, Principal Carol Shakarian and every student, 
teacher, pastor, staff member, volunteer and donor of SS. Cyril & 
Methodius Catholic School, as they celebrate their newly appointed 
status as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Their collective 
work and dedication focused on uplifting the lives of our youth with a 
strong foundation of education and personal achievement, serves to 
shine a light of hope and promise on a bright future for the children 
of the SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic School. Moreover, the tenacity 
and heart reflected from these students who face daily struggles, 
inspires us all and offers our entire community the promise for a 
better tomorrow.

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