[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15705]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

  Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, I also wish to recognize Hamilton 
Southeastern Junior High School of Fishers, IN for being recognized as 
a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
  Established in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has 
recognized over 7,000 public and non-public schools that demonstrate a 
vision of educational excellence for all students, regardless of their 
social or economic background. Since its inception, this program has 
offered the opportunity for schools in every State to gain recognition 
for educational accomplishments in closing any achievement gaps among 
student groups.
  Recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department 
of Education is based on a school being identified as ``Exemplary High 
Performing,'' schools that are ranked in the top 15 percent nationally 
in English and mathematics, measured by each State's assessment, or as 
``Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing,'' where schools with at least 40 
percent of their student body coming from disadvantaged backgrounds are 
reducing the achievement gap in English and mathematics. Hamilton 
Southeastern Junior High School has made great strides in these areas.
  Hamilton Southeastern Junior High School combines creativity and 
critical thinking with the tools of the 21st century. Students are 
taught complex problem solving, innovative collaboration, and the 
merits of integrity. Also, by offering mobile technology labs and 
focusing on college and career readiness, students are prepared for 
future success. These standards have led Hamilton Southeastern Junior 
High School to consistently achieve an A-rating and a four-star 
designation by the Indiana Department of Education. The staff and 
students' hard work will continue to benefit the city of Fishers and 
all of Indiana.
  I would like to acknowledge Principal Tim A. Mankin of Hamilton 
Southeastern Junior High School, the entire staff, and the student 
body. It undoubtedly took hard work and dedication to achieve this 
prestigious award.
  On behalf of the citizens of Indiana, I congratulate the Hamilton 
Southeastern Junior High School community, and I wish the students and 
staff continued success in the future.

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