HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI OF ILLINOIS
Honoring St. Germaine Catholic School - 2007 Blue Ribbon School
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2007

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Germaine Catholic School of Oak Lawn, Illinois as they are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a prime example of excellence in education.

Since the establishment of St. Germaine Parish by Fr. Walter Sheridan in 1962, education has been a priority for this community. With the diligent support of the Sisters of the Presentation, the parish school opened in 1964 and began a tradition of exceptional education in not only academics but also the teachings of faith.

In the years since its founding, St. Germaine has consistently been noted for its achievement in bringing quality education to its students. On October 2, 2007, St. Germaine was designated a national Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Secretary of Education, Margaret Spellings.

This distinguished award, given to those schools that are either academically superior or have demonstrated dramatic gains in student achievement, was presented to only 287 schools throughout the country. This award places St. Germaine in the top 10 percent of our Nation's schools.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend St. Germaine Catholic School on this extraordinary achievement. I am proud to have in my district a school that does so much to produce the educated and moral citizens who will lead our Nation in the future.