WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Representative Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) released the following statement as submitted to the Congressional Record:

            “Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud recognition of The Chicago Academy for the Arts, recently awarded this year’s Creative Ticket National Schools of Distinction Award from the Kennedy Center’s Alliance for the Arts Education Network.

            “The Chicago Academy for the Arts High School, has served the students and families of the city of Chicago as well as students from Indiana and Wisconsin since 1981. The students at The Chicago Academy for the Arts have established an impressive record of academic achievement as well as artistic talent ranging from fine arts to acting to costume and set design. Ninety-seven percent of the Academy’s graduates go on to top colleges and conservatories.  Since 1981, The Chicago Academy for the Arts has served as one of five private, independent, college-preparatory arts high schools in the United States. In addition to a traditional high school curriculum, students are given intensive training in the fields of: Music, Visual Art, Dance, Theater, Musical Theater, and Media Arts. Each day, students spend five hours in academics and three hours in their chosen art major, all of which include classes in theory, history, and technique.

            “The Chicago Academy for the Arts is designed to maximize each student’s potential to communicate through the arts. The Arts Academy strives to prepare students to think critically and independently in order to prepare them to succeed in both higher education and their chosen field in the arts.

            “Alumni from The Chicago Academy for the Arts have gone on to attend schools such as the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, The Julliard School, Brandeis University, and New York University and include such notables as actors John Cusack, and Lara Flynn Boyle, screen-writer and director Adam Rifkin, and composer Alex Wurman as well as members of the Joffrey Ballet, New York City Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes.

            “Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Congressional Arts Caucus I believe that it is important to support and recognize quality education in the arts. The Chicago Academy for the Arts is a shining example art in Education at its best. I am proud of the students, faculty and families of the school and I wish them continued success in the coming years.”