[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E912-E913] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] A TRIBUTE TO THE TEACHERS, PARENTS, ADMINISTRATORS AND STUDENTS OF CHAPARRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL ______ HON. ELTON GALLEGLY of california in the house of representatives Thursday, May 23, 2002 Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the parents, students, faculty and staff whose dedication to excellence has earned a school in my district---Chaparral Middle School in Moorpark, California-- recognition as a National Blue Ribbon school. The National Blue Ribbon award honors excellence in leadership, teaching, curriculum, student achievement and parental involvement. Chaparral Middle School is a shining example of what can happen when parents, teachers and administrators collaborate on the best approaches for providing a quality education. The attitude at Chaparral can best be summed up by the comment Principal Creighton Nicks made to a local newspaper: ``We're never satisfied with good enough. We're always trying to be better.'' The quality and dedication of teachers at Chaparral are epitomized by earth science teacher Mary Alice Reyburn, who was honored this week as a California State Science Fair Teacher of the Year. Part of the honor is a $2,000 prize, which Mrs. Reyburn plans to donate to the school to purchase science equipment. I am a product of the public school system, and I put my four children through Ventura County's public schools. One of my children is now a public school teacher. I am acutely aware that the most important tool we can give our children is a good education. Our students are the elected officials, businessmen, artists, scientists, parents and teachers of tomorrow. Nineteenth century orator and public servant Edward Everett, who shared the speaker's platform with President Lincoln in Gettysburg, once said: ``Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army.'' Those words are equally true during these perilous times, as we fight terrorists for the right to remain free. Mr. Speaker, as our nation works in concert to better our education system, it would serve us well to study the successes of our National Blue Ribbon schools. They are the best of the best and a key to our future. I know my colleagues will join me in applauding Chaparral Principal Nicks, his entire staff, and the parents and students of Chaparral for raising the [[Page E913]] bar and setting a strong example for others to follow. ____________________