[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 8]
[House]
[Pages 10707-10713]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1415
      CONGRATULATING URBAN PREP CHARTER ACADEMY--ENGLEWOOD CAMPUS

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 1414) congratulating Urban Prep Charter Academy 
for Young Men--Englewood Campus, the Nation's first all-male charter 
high

[[Page 10708]]

school, for achieving a 100 percent college acceptance rate for all 107 
members of its first graduating class of 2010, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1414

       Whereas in a 2009 study by the Education Research Center 
     found that in the 50 largest cities in the United States, 
     which have significantly higher rates of poor and minority 
     children, only 53 percent of students graduate on time;
       Whereas African-American males are dropping out of high 
     school in the Chicago Public School district, and in cities 
     around the country, at a rate of over 50 percent and only one 
     in 40 Black Chicago Public School males are graduating from 
     college;
       Whereas a University of Chicago study published in 2006 
     reported that only one in 40 African-American boys in Chicago 
     Public Schools eventually graduate from a 4-year university;
       Whereas a 2009 report by the American Council on Education 
     found that only 28 percent of African-American males who have 
     graduated from high school have gone on to enroll in college, 
     compared to 41 percent of all students;
       Whereas in 2002, a group of motivated African-American 
     civic, business, and education leaders, organized by Tim 
     King, determined to establish a new high school in Chicago 
     focused on providing a strong college-preparatory high school 
     option for boys in under-served African-American communities;
       Whereas Urban Prep Academies is a nonprofit organization 
     that operates a network of all-boys public schools including 
     the Nation's first, and the State of Illinois only, charter 
     high school for boys;
       Whereas the mission of Urban Prep Academies is to provide a 
     comprehensive, high-quality college-preparatory education to 
     young men that results in graduates succeeding in college;
       Whereas Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men--Englewood 
     Campus was founded in 2002;
       Whereas Urban Prep Charter Academy has a student population 
     that is 100 percent African-American male and 85 percent low-
     income, has shattered stereotypes about the ability and 
     willingness of African-American males to meet high 
     expectations and serves as a national example that all 
     students can succeed and achieve academically;
       Whereas Urban Prep's extended school day, rigorous 
     curriculum, and extracurricular ``arcs'', which includes the 
     Academic Arc, Service Arc, Activity Arc, and Professional 
     Arc, have been acknowledged as national models for other 
     schools serving low-income communities by a variety of 
     educational organizations and media outlets including the 
     Chicago Public Schools, the American School Board Journal, 
     the Urban School Improvement Network, the Illinois Policy 
     Institute, Education Week, the Washington Post, and the 
     Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel;
       Whereas Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men--Englewood 
     Campus, achieving a 100 percent college acceptance rate for 
     its June 12, 2010, first ever graduating class, will convene 
     an Inaugural ``Signing Day'' event where each senior student 
     will stand to publicly announce the college or university he 
     has chosen to attend and commit to that school by signing the 
     Urban Prep ``100 Percent to College'' board and the 
     ``Credimus Book'';
       Whereas to date, more than 80 colleges and universities 
     have admitted Urban Prep seniors to their incoming freshmen 
     classes and these seniors will receive nearly $4,000,000 in 
     college scholarships and grants; and
       Whereas Urban Prep has been recognized in the United States 
     and internationally for its success in improving the 
     academic, social, and emotional development of urban young 
     men: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates 
     Principal Tim King and all of the students, teachers, 
     administrators, and support personnel at Urban Prep Charter 
     Academy for Young Men--Englewood Campus for achieving a 100 
     percent college acceptance rate for its first graduating 
     class of 2010.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Woolsey) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.


                             General Leave

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which 
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous materials on H. 
Res. 1414 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1414, which 
honors and congratulates Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men in 
Englewood, Illinois and all 107 members of its first graduating class 
for achieving a 100 percent college acceptance rate.
  Students in America often face extraordinary challenges to completing 
high school. In our Nation's 50 largest cities, only 53 percent of 
students are graduating from high school on time. In the Chicago Public 
School District in particular, African American males are dropping out 
at a rate of over 50 percent, and only one in 40 of those who finish 
high school are graduating from college.
  The students at the Englewood campus of the Urban Prep Charter 
Academy for Young Men have bucked these national and local trends, Mr. 
Speaker. Their very first graduating class achieved a 100 percent 
college acceptance rate and will enroll in more than 80 different 
colleges and universities this fall. The graduates of Urban Prep 
displayed remarkable academic achievement and community engagement and 
received nearly $4 million in college scholarships and grants.
  When nationally only 28 percent of African American male high school 
graduates are enrolling in college, the 100 percent acceptance rate at 
Urban Prep-Englewood is a remarkable accomplishment for these students, 
their families, and the community, as well as for the faculty and staff 
of Urban Prep-Englewood. The graduates serve as role models for their 
community and remind us that we must do more to increase America's 
college attendance if we are to succeed in a 21st-century economy.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, I express my support for H. Res. 1414 and 
congratulate the seniors of the Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young 
Men for their academic achievement and college acceptance. I want to 
thank Representative Bobby Rush for bringing this resolution to the 
floor, and I urge my colleagues to pass the resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from Illinois (Mr. Rush).
  Mr. RUSH. I want to thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. 
Woolsey) for yielding time.
  I also want to thank Chairman Miller, Ranking Member Kline, and 
Majority Leader Hoyer for working with my office in order to bring this 
important resolution to the floor today.
  Mr. Speaker, today, we have the chance to vote on a very important 
congressional resolution, congratulating Urban Prep Charter Academy for 
Young Men-Englewood Campus, which is the Nation's first all-male 
charter high school, for achieving a 100 percent college acceptance 
rate for all 107 members of its first graduating class of 2010. There 
have been over $4 million in grants and scholarships awarded to this 
one class, which is the first of its kind in the Nation.
  At a time when only 50 percent of African American males are 
graduating from high school in most large, urban, predominantly black 
school districts, the young graduates of Urban Prep are not only 
shattering the stereotypes that have surrounded the issue of black male 
dropouts, but they are also setting a standard and are establishing a 
model that we hope will be replicated in other school districts all 
around this Nation. The accomplishments that these students, teachers, 
administrators, and families of this esteemed high school, Urban Prep, 
have achieved are extremely important, not only to my district and to 
the African American community, but to the Nation at large.
  The Englewood district, where Urban Prep is located, has been better 
known for its high rates of unemployment and for its lack of 
opportunity, which has led to an infestation of drugs, violence, and 
gang activity in recent years. Today, Urban Prep stands as a national 
symbol of academic excellence, and within the Englewood community, the 
school represents pride, hope, and inspiration.
  There are countless hardworking and resilient Englewood families who 
have the same aspirations and desires for their children that you and I 
and the rest of the Members of this body carry,

[[Page 10709]]

which is to obtain quality educations and to have the opportunity to 
build better lives for themselves.
  Mr. Speaker, as a former member of the Englewood High School 
Transition Advisory Council, I can recall working with Tim King, the 
founder, president and CEO of Urban Prep Academy, back in 2005, trying 
to get the Urban Prep charter approved through the Chicago Public 
Schools. I believed so strongly in Tim King and in his vision for 
building a strong, successful school in the Englewood community which 
would serve as a model for outstanding academic achievement and which 
would establish a solid foundation in the community that would make us 
all proud.
  We received a lot of pushback from the Chicago Board of Education and 
even from the community as they did not believe that we could be 
successful in teaching our young African American males on a level 
rivaling any rich, affluent district in the Nation. Well, Mr. Speaker, 
the first graduating class has shown, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that 
Urban Prep is for real, that black males will learn, and that nothing 
is impossible if you are willing to dream and to work to make that 
dream come true.
  A 2009 study by the American Council on Education reported that only 
28 percent of African American males who graduate from high school go 
on to enroll in college, compared with 41 percent of all other 
students. Well, again, Urban Prep graduates have shattered both of 
those records. With their hard work, with their commitment, with their 
dedication, and with their expectation of high standards among their 
parents, teachers and overall community, they are proving again that 
nothing is impossible.
  I am extremely proud of what Urban Prep has been able to accomplish 
over the last 5 years. That includes not only the students but also 
their families, teachers, staff, and of course, the leadership of Tim 
King, who is an outstanding young man and whose father I know quite 
well. For the sake of a strong national economy as well as for a more 
stabilized community around the world, we need more educated, strong, 
black male role models and black male leaders.
  All of the students, all of their parents, all of their supporters, 
and all of their friends who are watching this debate today, I say to 
you: Congratulations on all of your hard work. You have been an 
inspiration to your country. May God continue to guide you and to bless 
you in all of your future endeavors.
  The motto of Urban Prep is ``We Believe.''
  Mr. Speaker, I attended their graduation last Saturday. I saw all of 
these young men in their graduation regalia, young men who were coming 
from different backgrounds--backgrounds of depravation and poverty--who 
have been able to transform and to transcend those barriers. I saw them 
walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. Not only, Mr. Speaker, 
are they graduating with high school diplomas, but every last one of 
them has a scholarship to a 4-year college in America--to Georgetown, 
to Howard, to Morehouse, to the University of Illinois. All across this 
Nation, Urban Prep is sending its graduates to represent my community, 
this community, and this Nation. Some of them--most of them--will be 
successful. They are the leaders of tomorrow.
  I would like to submit the commencement program book ``The First 
Commencement Exercises'' for the Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young 
Men--Englewood Campus, for the Congressional Record to be added to my 
remarks on the same given previously.

         Urban Prep Academies--The First Commencement Exercises


       Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men Englewood Campus

   (Saturday, June 12, 2010, University of Illinois at Chicago Forum)


                          The Urban Prep Creed

     We believe.
     We are the young men of Urban Prep.
     We are college bound.
     We are exceptional--not because we say it, but because we 
           work hard at it.
     We will not falter in the face of any obstacle placed before 
           us.
     We are dedicated, committed and focused.
     We never succumb to mediocrity, uncertainty or fear.
     We never fail because we never give-up.
     We make no excuses.
     We choose to live honestly, nonviolently, and honorably.
     We respect ourselves and in doing so, respect all people.
     We have a future for which we are accountable.
     We have a responsibility to our families, community, and 
           world.
     We are our brothers' keepers.
     We believe in ourselves.
     We believe in each other.
     We believe in Urban Prep.
     WE BELIEVE.


                       the history of urban prep

       Urban Prep Academies is a nonprofit organization founded in 
     2002 by Tim King and a group of African-American education, 
     business, and civic leaders. Urban Prep's mission is to 
     provide a comprehensive, high-quality college preparatory 
     education to young men that results in graduates succeeding 
     in college. We opened our first school, Urban Prep Charter 
     Academy for Young Men--Englewood Campus, in 2006. Urban 
     Prep's Englewood Campus is the country's first public charter 
     high school for boys. In 2009, we opened our second school, 
     Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men--East Garfield Park. 
     Our third school, Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men--
     South Shore opens in the fall of 2010. The Urban Prep motto 
     is ``We Believe.'' Our motto is a constant reminder that 
     Urban Prep students will not fall into the trap of negative 
     stereotypes and low expectations. Instead, Urban Prep 
     students believe in their potential and believe in their 
     ability to exceed that potential. The Urban Prep family 
     (teachers, administrators, staff, board of directors, 
     community members and donors) also believes in these young 
     men, and in our important and lasting role in their lives. At 
     Urban Prep, We Believe.


                urban prep traditions, relics, & rituals

     Urban Prep Mace
       The tradition of a ceremonial mace began in Britain as 
     early as the 14th century. In the U.S., a mace has been used 
     in the House of Representatives since our country's founding. 
     Today, almost all colleges and universities have a mace, 
     which is carried at important institutional ceremonies. The 
     Urban Prep mace was designed by Paul King III of Chicago, 
     Illinois and carved from mahogany by architectural wood-
     turner Tom Boley of Red Oak Hollow in Purcellville, Virginia. 
     It stands almost four feet tall, and is topped by a walnut 
     medallion engraved with the Urban Prep Crest. Walnut collars, 
     engraved with the school name, motto and founding date, also 
     adorn the mace.
     Urban Prep Creed
       The Urban Prep Creed, developed by the faculty, 
     administration and staff, articulates the schools' values, 
     ideals and the goals we expect our students to meet and 
     exceed; including going to college, taking responsibility for 
     their actions, achieving academically, persevering, and 
     living honorably. Students collectively recite the Creed 
     daily during Community and at all Urban Prep formal events. 
     The Creed starts and ends with the Urban Prep motto, ``We 
     Believe.''
     Credimus Book
       The Credimus Book contains the register of Urban Prep 
     graduates and the colleges they will attend. Seniors sign 
     their names into the book as a pledge of their intention to 
     succeed in college during a ceremony at Urban Prep's College 
     Signing Day event. At Commencement, the book is passed from 
     the graduating class to representatives from the rising 
     senior class. Passing on the relic symbolizes how the 
     graduates' success will inspire future generations to work 
     diligently that they may one day too etch their names unto 
     its pages.
     The Passing of the Book Ceremony
       At Commencement, the Credimus Book is passed from the 
     graduating class to representatives of the Junior class. Once 
     the book has been passed, the graduating class recites a 
     pledge of support to the rising seniors: We are the graduates 
     of Urban Prep, and We Believe. We Believe that our present 
     lays the pathway for your future. We Believe that in action 
     and in word, we are our brothers' keepers. We Believe that 
     you will carry-on the tradition of excellence we pass to you 
     today. We Believe that one year from now, you will reunite 
     with us in college. We Believe that you are now the leaders 
     of Urban Prep. We are the graduates of Urban Prep, and We 
     Believe in you. Both the spoken pledge and the book-passing 
     symbolize the perpetual bonds of brotherhood that unite all 
     Urban Prep students and alumni.
     Urban Prep Crest, Colors & Mascot
       Like the heraldic coats-of-arms that inspired it, Urban 
     Prep's crest is rife with symbolism. The lions, Urban Prep's 
     mascot, evoke leadership and strength. The crowned lions face 
     outward, independently focused on the future; but their tails 
     entwine, illustrating brotherhood and solidarity. An open 
     book is shown beneath them, symbolizing our foundation in 
     academics. The eight-pointed star between the lions signifies 
     Urban Prep's eight core values. The eight points' circular 
     arrangement represents how Urban Prep's four `arc' programs 
     encircle students in a caring school community. The

[[Page 10710]]

     Crest also contains our name, founding date, and motto--
     Credimus, the Latin for We Believe. The crest is styled in 
     our school colors, red and gold. Red symbolizes the shared 
     blood of brothers. Gold symbolizes the material riches 
     available to college graduates, as well as the personal and 
     spiritual reward of enlightenment through education. The 
     Urban Prep Crest was designed by Nick Zembruski of Chicago, 
     Illinois in 2006.


                     Urban Prep commencement Awards

     The Medal for Academic Excellence
       Awarded to the student who has achieved the highest 
     cumulative grade point average during his enrollment at Urban 
     Prep.
     The Pride Medal
       Awarded to the Pride whose members collectively 
     demonstrated the greatest commitment to exemplifying the 
     Urban Prep Core Values over four years at Urban Prep.
     The Medal for Greatest Improvement
       Awarded to the student who has improved the most 
     academically and socially over the course of his enrollment 
     at Urban Prep.
     The Team UP Medal
       Awarded to the employee (teacher, administrator, or staff) 
     who, as selected by the students, has demonstrated excellence 
     in their job and extraordinary commitment to Urban Prep's 
     mission.
     The Medal for Attendance
       Awarded to the student who has had the fewest absences 
     during his enrollment at Urban Prep.
     The Award for Outstanding Service by a Parent or Guardian
       Awarded to the parent/guardian of an Urban Prep senior who 
     has demonstrated outstanding service to the school during the 
     time his/her student was enrolled.
     The Medal for Outstanding Participation in Athletics
       Awarded to the student who has demonstrated the most 
     significant and consistent leadership and participation in 
     Urban Prep sports teams.
     The Founder's Medal
       Awarded to the individual or organization that has shown 
     exceptional support of Urban Prep Academies.
     The Medal for Outstanding Participation in Activities
       Awarded to the student who has demonstrated the most 
     significant and consistent leadership and participation in 
     Urban Prep clubs and activities.
     The Credimus Medal
       Urban Prep's highest student honor, this medal is awarded 
     to the student who has best exemplified the ideals of Urban 
     Prep's mission, Core Values and Creed during his time at 
     Urban Prep.

           Bryant Christopher Alexander, Jr.--Magna Cum Laude

       DePauw University/Alabama A&M University/Eastern Illinois 
     University/Florida A&M University/Grambling State University/
     Kentucky State University/Mississippi Valley State 
     University/North Carolina State University/Northern Illinois 
     University/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/University of 
     Louisville

                   Darrelle Marshawn Banks--Cum Laude

       Pennsylvania State University--Hazleton/Indiana State 
     University/Lake Forest College/Miami University (Ohio)/
     Philander Smith College/Southern Illinois University--
     Carbondale/Tougaloo College

                             Freeman Banks

       East-West University

                      Cameron M. Barnes--Cum Laude

       University of Illinois--Urbana Champaign/Dillard 
     University/Kentucky State University/Mississippi State 
     University/Southern Illinois University--Carbondale/
     University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Virginia State University

                              Marcus Bass

       Jackson State University/Philander Smith College/University 
     of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                            Devante T. Bates

       Southern Illinois University--Carbondale/Alabama A&M 
     University/Culver-Stockton College/Indiana State University/
     Jackson State University/Lincoln University/Mississippi 
     Valley State University/Roosevelt University

                      Tyler Beck--Summa Cum Laude

       Trinity College/Arkansas State University/Clark Atlanta 
     University/Culver-Stockton College/Dillard University/Lewis 
     University/Lincoln University/Mississippi Valley State 
     University/Norfolk State University/Philander Smith College/
     South Carolina State University/Texas Southern University/
     University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                            Anthony A. Bell

       Chowan University/Lane College/Lincoln University/
     Mississippi Valley State University/Philander Smith College/
     Saint Augustine College

                              Sherman Ben

       Indiana State University/East West University

                        Jamil Boldian--Cum Laude

       Benedictine University/Kentucky State University/North Park 
     College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                            Phillip Boswell

       Alabama A&M University/Elizabeth City University/Lane 
     College

                         Krishaun Curtis Branch

       Fisk University/Kentucky State University/University of 
     Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                             James Brisbon

       Morehouse College/Dillard University/Fisk University/
     Indiana State University/Lane College/Miles College/Philander 
     Smith College/St. Cloud State University/Tougaloo College/
     University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                       Jonathan Dwayne Brown, Jr.

       Lincoln University/Parkland College

                            Nathaniel Brown

       University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Indiana State 
     University/Lincoln University/Philander Smith College

                    Justin Bryant-Warner--Cum Laude

       Western Michigan University/Concordia University--Chicago/
     Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/University of 
     Arkansas--Pine Bluff/University of Central Arkansas

                     Shane Bryant--Magna Cum Laude

       Morehouse College/Culver-Stockton College

                     Eugene Najee Butler--Cum Laude

       Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/Philander Smith 
     College/DePauw University/Indiana State University/
     Mississippi Valley State University/Morehouse College/
     University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                   Milan Jarrett Byrdwell--Cum Laude

       University of Rochester/Indiana State University/Kentucky 
     State University/Northern Illinois University/Philander Smith 
     College/Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville

                  Byron Lamont Caulton, Jr.--Cum Laude

       Dillard University/Central State University/Eastern 
     Illinois University/George Mason University/Indiana State 
     University/Kentucky State University/Morgan State University/
     Norfolk State University/North Carolina Central University/
     Philander Smith College/South Carolina State University/
     Southern Illinois University--Carbondale/University of 
     Arkansas--Pine Bluff University of Memphis/University of 
     Missouri

                             Curtis Coleman

       Chicago State University/Philander Smith College/University 
     of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                             Daniel Connell

       Northern Illinois University/Mississippi Valley State 
     University/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Lincoln 
     University

                              Javon Cooper

       Southern Illinois University--Carbondale/Fisk University/
     Indiana State University/Kentucky State University/Lincoln 
     University/Tuskegee University/University of Arkansas--Pine 
     Bluff

                          Marquis D. Crawford

       Denison University/Columbia College/Southern Illinois 
     University--Edwardsville/Truman State University/University 
     of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                       Jermaine Devon Davis, Jr.

       University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                         Quinton Jarmall Davis

       DePaul University/Lane College/Lewis University/Northern 
     Illinois University/Southern Illinois University--
     Edwardsville/Trinity Christian College/University of 
     Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                            Devante Davison

       Vincennes University/East-West University/Kentucky State 
     University/Philander Smith College/Wilberforce University

                          Donnell Apri Fields

       Columbia College/Chicago State University/Lincoln 
     University/Philander Smith College/Tougaloo University/
     University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                         Smith Joseph Francois

       Oakwood University/Allen University/Benedict College/East-
     West University/Philander Smith College/Texas Southern 
     University/Wilberforce University

                           Jermaine B. Gamble

       Saint Augustine College/Miles College/Wiley College

                            Andrew N. Gantt

       Miles College/Chicago State University

                            D'Angelo Gardner

       Northern Illinois University/East-West University

                      Travon B. George--Cum Laude

       Denison University/Kentucky State University/Purdue 
     University

                            Marquinn Gibson

       Howard University/Fisk University/Morehouse College/Saint 
     Xavier University/Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/
     University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                          Brandon Jerome Gray

       Culver-Stockton College

                             Kijuanis Gray

       Lincoln University/Allen University/Lane College/Miles 
     University/Philander Smith College

                      Edward Aric Green--Cum Laude

       Eastern Illinois University/Central State University/
     Indiana State University/Jackson

[[Page 10711]]

     State University/Kentucky State University/Southern Illinois 
     University--Edwardsville/Tougaloo College/Trinity Christian 
     College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Western Illinois 
     University/Wilberforce University

                             Keith A. Greer

       Southern Illinois University--Carbondale/Central State 
     University/DeVry University/Miles College/Philander Smith 
     College/Tougaloo College

                         Paris D. Grigsby, Jr.

       Indiana State University/Columbia College/Mississippi 
     Valley State/Saint Augustine College/Saint Cloud State 
     University/Virginia State University/Wiley College

                              Clifton Hall

       Southern Illinois University--Carbondale

                        Lawrence Hall--Cum Laude

       Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/Indiana State 
     University/Tougaloo College/University of Arkansas--Pine 
     Bluff/University of Kentucky/University of Louisville

                        Walter William Hall, Jr.

       Indiana State University/Alabama A&M University/Allen 
     University/Kentucky State University/Lincoln University/
     Moraine Valley University

                       Davonte Hammond--Cum Laude

       Morehouse College/Clark Atlanta University/Lake Forest 
     College/Philander Smith College/Southern Illinois 
     University--Carbondale/Tuskegee University/University of 
     Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                            Timothy Hankins

       University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Fisk University/Lincoln 
     University/Philander Smith College

                           Malcolm E. Harlan

       DePaul University/Loyola University--Ohio/Seton Hall 
     University/University of Loyola--New Orleans/University of 
     Tampa

               Robert Lee Henderson, III--Magna Cum Laude

       Lake Forest College/Livingstone College/St. Cloud State 
     University/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Upper Iowa 
     University/Winston Salem State University

                     Jerry N. Hinds, Jr.--Cum Laude

       University of Illinois--Urbana Champaign/Illinois State 
     University/Michigan State University/Northern Illinois 
     University/University of Rochester

                    Rayvaughn Hines--Summa Cum Laude

       University of Virginia/Denison University/Howard 
     University/Kentucky State University/Morehouse College/South 
     Carolina State University/Southern Illinois University--
     Edwardsville/Tougaloo College/Tuskegee University/University 
     of Memphis/University of Wisconsin--Madison

                         Darius M. Q. Hollings

       Lewis University/Miles College/Nichols College/Southern 
     Vermont College

                        Anthony L. Hubbard, Jr.

       Lindsey Wilson College/Indiana Tech University/Kentucky 
     State University/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                          Fredrick Huddleston

       Miles College

                     Gerald Jackson, Jr.--Cum Laude

       Howard University/DePaul University/Dillard University/
     Indiana State University/Missouri University/North Carolina 
     A&T University/Philander Smith College/Southern Illinois 
     University--Edwardsville/St. John's University/Tuskegee 
     University/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/University of 
     Memphis/Xavier University--Louisiana/Xavier University--Ohio

                            Francis Jamison

       Philander Smith College

                         DeAndre Ricardo Jones

       East-West University

                       Martin Luther Lavern, Jr.

       Columbia College/Miles College

                          Jonathan M. Leonard

       Howard University/Central State University/Clark Atlanta 
     University/Coppin State University/Dillard University/Indiana 
     State University/Kentucky State University/Philander Smith 
     College/Purdue University--Calumet/Southern Illinois 
     University--Carbondale/Tuskegee University/University of 
     Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                              Aaron Lewis

       Grand Valley State University/Benedictine University/
     Culver-Stockton College/East-West University

                            Quintin M. Lynn

       Columbia College/Miles College

                         Jessie Mack--Cum Laude

       Denison University/Indiana State University/Lincoln 
     University/Philander Smith College/Tougaloo College/
     University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                        Marlon D. Marshall, Jr.

       Earlham College/Fisk University/Hampton University/Kentucky 
     State University/Philander Smith College/University of 
     Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Western Illinois University

                        Vincent M. Martinez, Jr.

       Southern Illinois University--Carbondale/Northern Michigan 
     University

                             Jayson McGehee

       University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/East-West University/
     Indiana State University/Mississippi Valley State/Saint 
     Augustine College

                             Jontae McGhee

       Purdue University--North Central/Dominican College/East-
     West University/Grinnell University/Hilbert College/St. Cloud 
     State University

                          Edward H. McLachlan

       Northern Illinois University/Culver-Stockton College/Lewis 
     University/Saint Xavier University/Southern Illinois 
     University--Edwardsville/St. Cloud State University/Xavier 
     University

                         Justin Anthony McNeal

       Indiana State University/Mississippi Valley State 
     University/Southern Illinois University--Carbondale/Tougaloo 
     College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

       Cum Laude: Cumulative GPA of 3.0 to 3.49/Magna Cum Laude: 
     Cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.74/Summa Cum Laude: Cumulative GPA 
     of 3.75 & Above

                        Andrew Dominic Mesadieu

       Parsons The New School for Design/Columbia College/
     Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design/Otis College of Design

                           Tony D. Mhoon, Jr.

       Lincoln University/Allen University/Miles College/
     University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                              Jamal Minor

       Jackson State University/Indiana State University/
     Mississippi Valley State University/University of Arkansas--
     Pine Bluff

                  Devon M. Montgomery--Magna Cum Laude

       Denison University/Hampton University/Indiana State 
     University/Mississippi Valley State University/Morehouse 
     College/South Carolina State University/Southern Illinois 
     University--Edwardsville/Tougaloo College/Tuskegee 
     University/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                             Brandon Moore

       Indiana State University/Philander Smith College

                     Deontae Moore--Summa Cum Laude

       Northwestern University/Arkansas State University/Columbia 
     College/DePaul University/Kentucky State University/
     Livingstone College/Marquette University/South Carolina State 
     University/Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/Trinity 
     Christian College/University of Illinois--Chicago/University 
     of Missouri

                        Elbert P. Muhammad, Jr.

       Northern Illinois University/Clark Atlanta University/
     Indiana State University/Lincoln University/Morgan State 
     University/Southern Illinois University/University of 
     Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                     Malik Wali Muhammad--Cum Laude

       Northern Illinois University/Culver-Stockton College/
     Livingstone College/Philander Smith College/Southern Illinois 
     University--Edwardsville/Tuskegee University/University of 
     Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                     Andrew Murphy--Summa Cum Laude

       Connecticut College/Kentucky State University/Lincoln 
     University/South Carolina State University/Southern Illinois 
     University--Edwardsville/St. John's University/Tougaloo 
     College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/University of 
     Illinois--Urbana Champaign

                   (Taiwo) Tajudeen Oshun--Cum Laude

       Indiana State University/Lincoln College/Philander Smith 
     College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                          Antonio Cortez Owens

       Illinois Institute of Art/Allen University/Indiana State 
     University/Miles College/Southern Illinois University--
     Carbondale/Trinity Christian College/Wilberforce University

                          LaVince Person, Jr.

       Tuskegee University/East-West University/Kentucky State 
     University/Philander Smith College/Southern Illinois 
     University--Edwardsville

                 Esko T. Peterson, Jr.--Summa Cum Laude

       University of Illinois--Urbana Champaign/Ball State 
     University/Butler University/Morehouse College/Northern 
     Illinois University/Philander Smith College/South Carolina 
     State University/Southern Illinois University--Carbondale/
     Tougaloo College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                         Cortae DeAngelo Pitts

       Kentucky State University/Mississippi Valley State 
     University/Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/St. 
     Cloud State University/Trinity Christian College

                      Dontaye Kawamayne Mailo Polk

       Howard University/Culver-Stockton College/Kentucky State 
     University/Northern Illinois University/Southern Illinois 
     University--Edwardsville/St. Xavier University/University of 
     Hawaii--Hilo/University of Hawaii--Ma/University of Tampa

                       Anthony Ponder--Cum Laude

       Illinois State University/Culver-Stockton College

                             Kevin Randell

       Philander Smith College/Indiana State University/Tougaloo 
     College

[[Page 10712]]



                           Malcolm J. Reaves

       Tuskegee University/Alabama A&M University/Alabama State 
     University/Mississippi Volley State University/Tougaloo 
     College

                            James Reed, Jr.

       Indiana State University/Alabama A&M University/Carry 
     College/Central State University/Culver-Stockton College/
     Eastern Illinois University/Fisk University/Lincoln 
     University / Northern Illinois University/Southern Illinois 
     University--Carbondale

                               Corey Rowe

       Texas College/Central State University/Dowling College/
     East-West University

                  Gregory Ladell Sashington--Cum Laude

       Tuskegee University/Southern Illinois University--
     Carbondale/Tougaloo University/University of Arkansas--Pine 
     Bluff/Western Illinois University/Winston-Salem State 
     University

                           Timothy Sayers, II

       Savannah State University/Miles College/Mississippi Valley 
     State University

                            Quentin A. Smith

       University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Kentucky State 
     University/Lincoln University/Tougaloo University

                          Tony G. Stiger, Jr.

       Lane College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                           Maurice D. Taylor

       Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/Culver-Stockton 
     College/Indiana State University/Mississippi Valley State 
     University/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                             Anthony Thomas

       Saint Xavier University/Northern Illinois University/
     Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/Tougaloo College

                         Robert C. Thomas, Jr.

       Clark Atlanta University/Kentucky State University/Lincoln 
     University/Northern Illinois University/Philander Smith 
     College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                        Demetrius D. Travis, Jr.

       Eastern Illinois University/Culver-Stockton College/Indiana 
     State University/Kentucky State University/Philander Smith 
     College/Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/St. Cloud 
     State University/St. Xavier University/Trinity Christian 
     College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                             Justin Turner

       Claflin University/Allen University/University of 
     Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                Brandon Everette Warren--Magna Cum Laude

       Wheaton College/Arkansas State University--Jonesboro/Lane 
     College/Morehouse College/Philander Smith College/Trinity 
     Christian College

                       John A. Warren--Cum Laude

       Morehouse College/Claffin University/Howard University/
     Kentucky State University/Mississippi Valley State 
     University/Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/
     Tougaloo College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Winston 
     Salem State University

                          Isaac L. Welch, Jr.

       Kent State University/Claflin University/Columbia College/
     Indiana State University/Jackson State University/Kentucky 
     State University/Philander Smith College/Southern Illinois 
     University--Edwardsville/Tougaloo College/University of 
     Arkansas--Pine Bluff

                        Calvin L. Williams, Jr.

       Columbia College/Tuskegee University

                          Lorenzo A. Williams

       Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/Iowa Wesleyan 
     University/Kentucky State University/Lincoln University/
     Philander Smith College

                    Paris Williams--Summa Cum Laude

       Georgetown University/Arkansas State University/Bradley 
     University/Chapman University/Columbia College/Fisk 
     University/Kentucky State University/Lincoln University/
     Livingstone College/Northern Illinois University/Saint 
     Augustine College/Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville/
     Tougaloo College/University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/
     University of Missouri/University of Santa Clara/Virginia 
     State University

              Israel Stephan John Wilson--Summa Cum Laude

       Morehouse College/Northern Illinois University/University 
     of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Lincoln University/Norfolk State 
     University

                          Christopher Winters

       Indiana State University/East-West University

                      Rafael D. Wordlaw--Cum Laude

       Indiana State University/Iowa State University/Kansas State 
     University/Philander Smith College/Tougaloo College

                 Ahmad Rishawn Wright--Magna Cum Laude

       Purdue University/Alabama A&M University/Bradley 
     University/Culver-Stockton College/Indiana Tech University/
     Kansas State University/Kentucky State University/Lincoln 
     University/Rutgers University

                         Stephen G. Wright, Jr.

       University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Indiana State 
     University/Lincoln University/Virginia State University

                         Carlton T. Yarber, Jr.

       Columbia College/East-West University/Lincoln University/
     Philander Smith College/Southern Illinois University--
     Carbondale/Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville

                              Dionte Young

       University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff/Trinity Christian 
     College


                     Board of Directors & Advisors

       Judith Armstead, Kendrick Ashton, Darryl Cobb, Merl Code, 
     Alexandre duBuclet, Oscar Johnson, Loann Honesty King, Paul 
     King, Tim King, Joseph McCoy, Stephanie Neely, Mary Pattillo, 
     Steven Rogers, Timothy Russell, Kurt Summers, Joseph Terry, 
     Christopher Zorich.


                                Team UP

       Samuel Adams, Faculty-ENG; Samuel Agyarko, Faculty-ENG; 
     Marcia Alban, Faculty-ENG; Kwaku Attoh, Faculty-EGP; Benjamin 
     Blakeley, Co-Principal for Student Programs-ENG; Troy Boyd, 
     Pride Coordinator-ENG; Edward Briscoe, Director of 
     Recruitment and Development-UPA; Derrick Brooms, Director of 
     Activities and Athletics-ENG; Ronald Bryant, Assistant 
     Principal-EGP; Sylvester Bush, Faculty-ENG; Joffrey Bywater, 
     Faculty-ENG; Craig Carter, VP Finance and Strategic Planning-
     UPA; Skip Childress, Faculty-ENG; Tre Childress, Principal-
     EGP; Khoury Cooper, Director of Community Partnerships-UPA; 
     Kimberly Cross, Registrar-ENG; Joseph Daddezio, Faculty-ENG; 
     Carol Davis, Faculty-EGP; Keith Davis, Faculty-EGP; George 
     Dong, Faculty-EGP; Richard Dyer, Faculty-ENG.
       La-Troy Farrow, Faculty-ENG; Jermaine Ferguson, Faculty-
     ENG; Natasha Ferguson, Faculty-ENG; Lynn Fields, Faculty-ENG; 
     Timmy Freeman, Faculty-ENG; Fidell George, Faculty-ENG; 
     Jennifer George, Faculty-ENG; Benjamin Gilmore, Institutional 
     Advancement Officer-UPA; Richard Glass, Assistant Principal-
     ENG; Anthony Griffin, Faculty-ENG; Reginald Hinton, Faculty-
     ENG; Erik Hopkins, Faculty-ENG; Damien Howard, Faculty-EGP; 
     George Huff, Assistant Director College Counseling-ENG; 
     Kenneth Hutchinson, Director College Counseling-ENG; Rose 
     Jefferies, Office Manager-ENG; Tim King, Founder and CEO-UPA; 
     Dennis Lacewell, Co-Principal for Academic Programs-ENG; 
     Donnell Layne, Director of Information Technology-UPA; Alfred 
     Lee, Jr., Executive Assistant to the CEO-UPA; Brandon Lenore, 
     Director of Activities-EGP.
       Evan Lewis, VP Institutional Advancement-UPA; Monice Lilly, 
     Faculty-ENG; Othiniel Mahone, Case Manager-ENG; Dexter Miles, 
     Faculty-ENG; Margaret Miranda, Faculty-ENG; Davidson Morales, 
     Faculty-ENG; Roderick Muhammad, Faculty-ENG; Stanley 
     Muhammad, Dean of Students-EGP; Mathias Muschal, Faculty-ENG; 
     Timothy Naatz, Faculty-EGP; Adam Nissen, Faculty-ENG; Kosi 
     Onyeneho, College Counselor-ENG; Gina Perry, Faculty-EGP; 
     Josh Rhoad, Faculty-ENG; Paul Rivera, Faculty-EGP; Keith 
     Robbins, Assistant Dean of Students-EGP; Natasha Robinson, 
     Faculty-ENG; Tanya Robinson, Director of Finance-ENG; Alex 
     Rock, Faculty-EGP; Pam Santoyo, Faculty-ENG; Will Seegars, 
     Faculty-ENG; Eric Smith, Faculty-ENG.
       Jaclyn Smith, Counselor-EGP; Juanita Smith, Faculty-ENG; 
     Latreese Smith, Office Assistant-ENG; John Steele, Jr., 
     Faculty-ENG; Corey Stewart, Faculty-ENG; Martha Stewart, 
     Faculty-ENG; Tammie Tatum, Personal Counselor-ENG; Melissa 
     Tribue, Faculty-ENG; Beverly Turner, Assistant Dean of 
     Students-EGP; Jessica Vande-Vusse, Faculty-ENG; Henry 
     Velarde, Faculty-ENG; Deshon Weaver, Dean of Students-ENG; 
     Jacob Wertz, Manager of New Initiatives-UPA; E'Toyare 
     Williams, Faculty-EGP; Jamen Williams, Faculty-ENG; Terry 
     Williams, Office Manager-EGP; David Woo, Faculty-ENG; Tyler 
     Yarbrough, College Counselor-EGP; Fidal Young, Faculty-ENG; 
     Juan Carlos Zayas, Faculty-EGP.

       EGP--East Garfield Park Campus
       ENG--Englewood Campus
       UPA--Urban Prep Academies
                                  ____

       We are unable to list all of the people who have helped 
     Urban Prep and our students make this day a reality. You have 
     our sincerest gratitude for supporting us and for 
     understanding that this is what happens when We Believe.

       Thank You!

  Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as she may 
consume to the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. Edwards).
  Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution to 
congratulate the Urban Prep Charter Academy on the wonderful 
accomplishment of sending every one of their 107 graduates on to 
college this year. For some students, getting an education is a simple 
feat, but for many students in our urban centers, that is not true, and 
this is the focus community, the population, that is served by Urban 
Prep.

[[Page 10713]]

  Now, I knew Urban Prep some time ago. Their motto is ``We Believe.'' 
I want to say here that I believe in Urban Prep and in the phenomenal 
work that they do to reverse troubling graduation and completion rates 
among African American men in Chicago's urban centers. We can learn 
many lessons from the Urban Prep experiment, and indeed, that 
experiment is being looked at across the country, even in communities 
like the one I represent in Maryland's Fourth Congressional District.
  I know firsthand that the caliber of educators at Urban Prep plays an 
important role in the lives of their students. I want to speak today 
about one of those educators because in no one is this more prevalent 
than in Urban Prep's Dr. Derrick Brooms.
  Dr. Brooms is an amazing and dynamic educator, mentor, and high 
school teacher who makes history come alive. He is a Ph.D. recipient 
from the University of Chicago, the director of athletics at Urban 
Prep, and he was a mentor to my son and to one of my staff members when 
he lived right here in Prince George's County, in Maryland, when he 
taught and coached at the Field School.
  Dr. Brooms was excited to join the start-up Urban Prep because he 
wanted to mentor African American men to their fullest potential. He is 
just one of the many reasons Urban Prep is able to create an 
environment that not only educates but that also teaches students the 
importance of striving for success and in contributing to our 
communities.
  Mr. Speaker, I join Mr. Rush in wholeheartedly supporting this 
resolution and in the shared belief that this country needs more 
educators like those at Urban Prep, educators like Dr. Derrick Brooms, 
and that the country needs more schools like the Urban Prep Charter 
Academy.
  Now, for some of our young people, for some of our young African 
American men, education can come from a charter school or it can come 
from a private school. For the overwhelming majority of them, it can 
come from a regular public school. Yet the fact is, if we are to 
succeed as a nation, we have to begin to educate some of our most 
vulnerable and most challenging communities, and that is exactly what 
Urban Prep does. It doesn't matter what the school is. It matters that 
it educates our young people.
  So I salute the 107 graduates of Urban Prep who aren't going to just 
finish high school but who are going to go on to college and who are 
going to make a contribution to their communities in the way that so 
many of their mentors have made contributions to them.
  Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise today in support of the resolution before us, House Resolution 
1414, congratulating Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men-Englewood 
campus for achieving 100 percent college acceptance rate for all 107 
members of its first graduating class of 2010.
  In 2002, a group of motivated African American civic, business, and 
educational leaders, organized by former Hales Franciscan High School 
president Tim King, determined to establish a new high school in 
Chicago focused on providing a strong college-preparatory high school 
option for boys in underserved African American communities. African 
American males have been and continue to be the lowest performing 
demographic in Chicago's public schools. A recent University of Chicago 
study published in 2006 reported that only one in 40 African American 
boys in Chicago public schools eventually graduates from a 4-year 
university.
  The Chicago Board of Education approved Urban Prep Academy's charter 
application in 2005, and Urban Prep opened its first school, Urban Prep 
Charter Academy for Young Men-Englewood campus, the subsequent 
September. It is the first charter high school for boys in the country 
and currently enrolls 550 students in grades nine through 12. Urban 
Prep's second school opened in the East Garfield Park community in 
2009, and the third will open this fall in the South Shore community.
  The mission at Urban Prep Academies is to provide a comprehensive, 
high-quality, college-preparatory education to young men that results 
in graduates succeeding in college. Urban Prep's first graduating 
class, the class of 2010, is well on its way to fulfilling the school's 
mission. The entire graduating class has been accepted to more than 80 
colleges and universities and will receive nearly $4 million in 
scholarships and grants.
  The students' 8-hour day consists of a heavy math and science course 
load, an emphasis on studying a foreign language, plus two periods of 
English every day. In addition, students spend more than an hour a day 
with a mentor. The school fosters an environment where students can 
thrive. Failure is not an option.
  A 100 percent college acceptance rate is clearly phenomenal. The 
Urban Prep Academy students should be commended for all their hard work 
and ability to beat the odds.
  In addition, today we recognize Tim King, the president and CEO, the 
faculty and staff for providing these students with the support and 
encouragement they needed to succeed. I support this resolution and ask 
my colleagues to do the same.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 
1414, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1414, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

                          ____________________