[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Pages 14514-14515]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING SOUTH RIPLEY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL OF VERSAILLES, INDIANA

  Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize South Ripley 
Junior High School of Versailles, IN, for being named a 2016 National 
Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
  Established in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has 
recognized 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 
students.
  South Ripley Junior High School has distinguished itself as a top-
performing school in Indiana. For the last 4 years, South Ripley Junior 
High School has been named a Four Star School and an A rated school. In 
2016, South Ripley was named a national School to Watch for its high 
performance on State standardized tests and overall academic 
excellence.
  The school's philosophy of education is built upon the expectation of 
success in all students. South Ripley Junior High School focuses on 
helping each student develop individual success academically and 
personally. To that end, the core curriculum supports college and 
career readiness to develop the skills students need in everyday life, 
such as problem-solving, as well as reading and writing effectively. In 
addition, South Ripley's faculty and staff continuously work with 
students to meet their social, emotional, and academic needs and help 
students develop strong character.

[[Page 14515]]

  I am proud to recognize South Ripley Junior High School principal 
Destiny Rutzel, the entire staff, the student body, and their families. 
The effort, dedication, and value you put into education has led not 
only to this prestigious recognition, but will benefit you and the 
Versailles community well into the future.
  On behalf of the citizens of Indiana, I congratulate South Ripley 
Junior High, and I wish the students and staff continued success in the 
future.

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