[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13349]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING PRINCIPAL JAMES CONDON FOR THE 2015 INDIANA PRINCIPAL OF THE 
                                  YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JACKIE WALORSKI

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2015

  Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Principal James 
Condon of Plymouth High School for being named the 2015 Principal of 
the Year. His success in fostering an exceptional learning environment 
for students in Plymouth is nothing short of remarkable.
  Every year, the National Association of Secondary School Principals 
recognizes outstanding middle school and high school principals who 
have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for 
students. Recipients are chosen based on their performance in four 
categories, which include personal excellence, collaborative 
leadership, curriculum and personalization. Among other requirements, 
an award winner must model values, beliefs and attitudes that encourage 
others to higher levels of performance; create a culture of 
collaboration; ensure that each student has the best possible 
opportunity of realizing success; and create a school climate that is 
warm, inviting, safe and secure. Every one of us depends on our 
teachers, and because of that, they deserve our support and 
appreciation.
  For over 20 years, Principal Condon has been contributing to the 
betterment of Indiana education. Since he became the principal of 
Plymouth High School in 2007, the school has been rated as one of the 
top high schools in Indiana and has received an ``A'' from the state in 
school accountability. As an added accomplishment, the school has 
achieved an 86 percent graduation rate, exceeding the Indiana state 
average by nearly 10 percent. These remarkable achievements have been 
duly-recognized and rewarded. Before receiving Principal of the Year, 
he was named the top high school principal in Indiana's second 
district, which includes Elkhart, St. Joseph, Starke, Marshall, 
Pulaski, Fulton, LaPorte and Kosciusko counties. Because of leaders 
like him, Hoosier classrooms are filled with future doctors, scientists 
and entrepreneurs.
  Principal Condon's efforts have been instrumental in advancing 
Indiana's education system. His leadership has led to the development 
of digital and project-based learning, creation of dual credit courses 
and preparation of students for the job market. As a result, Plymouth 
High School now offers 35 dual credit courses and has achieved one of 
Indiana's highest pass percentages on AP classes. The school recently 
opened a state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Training Center that 
serves students during the day and adults in the evening. Contributions 
like these would not be possible without the effort of passionate 
educators like Principal Condon. Quite simply, his work is bettering 
the lives of Hoosiers.
  I want to take this opportunity to once again thank Principal Condon 
for helping students in Plymouth develop their talents and become our 
future leaders. On behalf of myself and my fellow Hoosiers, I 
congratulate him on receiving this prestigious award.

                          ____________________