[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 7]
[House]
[Page 9419]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING THE MATH AND SCIENCE ACADEMY OF SOUTH TEXAS INDEPENDENT 
                            SCHOOL DISTRICT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge my colleagues to join me 
today in congratulating the staff, the administration, students and 
families of the Math and Science Academy of South Texas Independent 
School District in my hometown of Mercedes, Texas, on being named one 
of Newsweek magazine's Best High Schools in America for 2005.
  Our academy ranked 40th out of 100 U.S. high schools. A quality, 
comprehensive and challenging education is the most valuable gift we 
can give to our children. For the second time in 2 years, the Math and 
Science Academy of South Texas has received this prestigious 
recognition, and it solidifies the school's standing as a model of 
excellence and as an exemplary institution. The teachers and 
administrators are truly committed to educating and encouraging our 
future leaders.
  As the country continues to move forward into the 21st century, the 
need for mathematicians, scientists, engineers, and the leaders of 
tomorrow continues to be of the utmost importance.

                              {time}  1445

  A high school diploma is the first step to becoming a successful 
contributor to our society.
  The program of study at the academy ensures that students succeed 
and, more importantly, lays the foundation for students to learn the 
fundamentals that will lead to successful lives and careers. It is 
truly an exceptional institution.
  Last fall, I joined the South Texas ISD community to celebrate the 
district's 40th anniversary. I would like to congratulate 
superintendent Marla Guerra, as well as the members of the school board 
of trustees, the faculty, the students, parents and alumni on 40 years 
of achievement. This school district demonstrates a regional commitment 
to excellence. The recognition that the Math and Science Academy has 
received is just one of many accolades earned by the South Texas ISD 
school district.
  My involvement in establishing the magnet high school system for the 
South Texas ISD is one of my proudest achievements. Over 20 years ago, 
as a member of the Texas State Board of Education, I led a delegation 
from south Texas to Houston to visit that city's highly regarded magnet 
schools. We knew that we wanted that caliber of opportunity for our 
students. However, we were told that such a program could not work in 
south Texas. We were told that we did not have the financial resources 
and that we could not find the students, but we did not believe the 
nay-sayers. We knew it could be done.
  Today, the Math and Science Academy, with a student population that 
is almost 80 percent Hispanic and over 50 percent eligible for free or 
reduced price lunch, is among the most elite high schools in the 
Nation. Every day it brings us closer to realizing the vast potential 
of our community. It shows us what is possible when we invest in our 
children and demand the very best.
  I ask all my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Math and 
Science Academy of south Texas on a job well done.

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