[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 24]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 33477]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO HIDALGO EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

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                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 6, 2007

  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Hidalgo Early 
College High School, in Hidalgo, TX, for achieving the highest ranking 
in the State of Texas among the Best High Schools In America by U.S. 
News and World Report.
  Hidalgo Early College High School has consistently worked to provide 
crucial tools for educational success for its 810 students, more than 
half of whom come from families that have never finished high school, 
and these students have overcome tremendous barriers thanks to the 
leadership of their school, their parents, and teachers. One of the 
many tools for success the school offers is the chance to earn up to 60 
college hours at no cost by the time the students reach their senior 
year, which gives them the opportunity to obtain both a high school 
diploma and associates degree upon graduation. This was made possible 
by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
  It is also due to the strong leadership displayed by Eduardo Cancino, 
superintendent of Hidalgo ISD, and by Edward Blaha, principal of 
Hidalgo Early College High School, that the school has outperformed its 
peers at the local, state, and national level. I am also proud of the 
support for the community that the local school board and the 
administrators and teachers have shown for Hidalgo Early College High 
School. It is because of their collective effort in providing the best 
education possible for the students, that Hidalgo
  Early College High School has rightfully earned its rank as one of 
the best high schools in America.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize Hidalgo Early College High 
School for achieving the highest ranking in the State of Texas among 
the Best High Schools In America by U.S. News and World Report, and I 
thank you for this time.

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