[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 378]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

 Mr. DAYTON. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Dakota 
Meadows Middle School, in North Mankato, MN, which recently earned an 
Award for Excellence in Education for its exceptional and innovative 
achievements in educating children.
  Dakota Meadows Middle School is truly a model of educational success. 
One hundred of the school's eighth-grade art students have created a 
glass mosaic, measuring 3 feet by 24 feet, for the school's media 
center. The project was financed by the Prairie Ecology Bus Center. The 
overall design, based on nature, correlates with the Dakota Meadows 
Middle School Ecology curriculum, and includes images of fish, birds, 
and sky. I had the honor to be present at the school for the official 
unveiling, and found it to be an awe inspiring piece.
  The glass mosaic medium was chosen to introduce the students to an 
ancient medium. The mosaic's dimensions allowed each student to make a 
unique contribution toward an artistic work of lasting beauty.
  Much of the credit for Dakota Meadows Middle School's success belongs 
to its principal, Shane Baier, and his dedicated teachers. The school 
and its artist in residence, Dr. Arnoldus Gruter, made it possible for 
the students to produce their own work of art, which is also their 
legacy to the school. The students and staff at Dakota Meadows Middle 
School understand that, in order to be successful, a school must go 
beyond achieving academic success; it must also provide a nurturing 
environment where students develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes 
for a lifetime of success. All of the faculty, staff, and students at 
Dakota Meadows Middle School should be very proud of their 
accomplishments.
  I congratulate Dakota Meadows Middle School in North Mankato, MN, for 
winning the Award for Excellence in Education and for its exceptional 
contributions to education in Minnesota.

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