[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 19768]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL SCHOOL

  Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today I wish to applaud Our Lady of 
Mount Carmel School of Carmel, IN, for being recognized as a 2015 
National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
  Established in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has 
recognized over 7,500 public and nonpublic schools that have 
demonstrated 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 the 
achievement gaps among student groups.
  Our Lady of Mount Carmel School continues to be one of the best 
performing schools in the State of Indiana. It has been named an 
Indiana Four Star School.
  In 2014, Our Lady of Mount Carmel School's ISTEP+ pass rate for 
English/Language Arts scores increased reached 96.9 percent. 
Mathematics scores increased to 98.8 percent combined for third through 
fifth grades.
  Our Lady of Mount Carmel School's effectiveness can be found in its 
holistic approach and dedication to student achievement. Our Lady of 
Mount Carmel staff, students, and students' families work together to 
teach and instill values that develop strong character including 
integrity, responsibility, and service. With some of the highest 
English and mathematics scores in Indiana, Our Lady of Mount Carmel 
School is a stellar example of the benefits that result from 
dedication, motivation, collaboration, and family partnership in 
education.
  I would like to acknowledge Our Lady of Mount Carmel School 
principal, Sister Mary Emily Knapp, the entire staff, the student body, 
and their families. The effort, dedication, and value you put into 
education led not only to this prestigious recognition, but will 
benefit you and our communities well into the future.
  On behalf of the citizens of Indiana, I congratulate Our Lady of 
Mount Carmel School, and I wish the students and staff continued 
success in the future.

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