Recognizing the Contribution of Catholic Schools to the Nation During the 32nd Annual Catholic Schools Week
RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTION OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS TO THE NATION DURING THE 32ND ANNUAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK -- (Extensions of Remarks - February 01, 2006)
SPEECH OF
HON. DANNY K. DAVIS
OF ILLINOIS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2006
* Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, during the 32nd annual Catholic Schools Week, I want to recognize the contributions of Catholic schools to this Nation. Mr. Speaker, children all across America have benefited from Catholic education. I applaud these schools for their long commitment to education, to a value system and character development, and to developing the kind of lifestyles that students as well as adults need to seek. There are almost 8,000 Catholic schools nationwide. Illinois is one of the ten States with the highest enrollments of Catholic students, with over 181,000 students in 538 schools in the State. In Chicago, as in other urban areas, Catholic schools play an important role in providing quality academic training to children and youth. Indeed, the Archdiocese of Chicago was the second largest Catholic school system in the country. There are many outstanding Catholic schools in my Congressional district. Among them is Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Resurrection Elementary School in Chicago, and, of course, St. Ignatius Preparatory, which is recognized as one of the top preparatory schools in the Nation.
* Catholic schools emphasize discipline, values, and parental involvement--three elements that are critical to raising responsible citizens. Self-discipline, or the ability to restrain our impulses and to apply ourselves in the face of competing interests, is a quality that is important for young people and old. It allows us to use prudence and wisdom in making choices rather than to act out of impulse. Value-added education instills in youth a commitment to others and one's community. In an age where many individuals place primacy on their personal needs, such a focus prepares students to contribute to society by considering the needs of others. The close involvement of parents, a hallmark of Catholic education, makes clear that education is not something that occurs only within the school house, but is a life-long process.
* One of the truly great aspects of the American education system is its diversity. The goal of our system should be both public and private, and it is to provide anyone and everyone in any city, any State, with the opportunity they need to succeed. The educational recipe for success in our country certainly includes Catholic schools. These schools contribute to the rich diversity that truly makes American education powerful. Catholic schools help make American education successful in its mission and provide a strong and positive force in America's educational system.
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