[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11] [Senate] [Page 15451] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ DULUTH EAST HIGH SCHOOL, DULUTH, MINNESOTA Mr. DAYTON. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Duluth East High School, in Duluth, MN, which recently earned an Award for Excellence in Education for its exceptional and innovative achievements in educating children. Duluth East High School is truly a model of educational success, which is reflected in the achievements of its students. Duluth East High School boasts a 98-percent graduation rate. Ninety-one percent of its graduates go on to some type of postsecondary education, with over 66 percent enrolling in a 4-year college. The class of 2005 had two students who qualified as National Merit semifinalists; nine received Letters of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation; 23 earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average; and, all told, members of the class were offered in excess of $2 million in scholarship monies. Duluth East provides many challenging courses for high-achieving students, offering advanced placement courses in English, calculus, and European history. All advanced placement students are required to take the advanced placement test at the end of the term. Students scoring three or better on the test automatically earn college credit. Last year, 70 percent of all Duluth East students who took the advanced placement tests scored three or above. In addition to the advanced placement classes, Duluth East offers College in the School classes and honors classes in English, biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy/physiology. Two Duluth East teachers received significant recognition last year. Peg Zahorick, a special education teacher, was designated Teacher of the Year by Arc of Minnesota. She was honored for her work on behalf of persons with developmental disabilities and their families. Cindy Grindy, a chemistry teacher at Duluth East, was named the 2005 Star of American Teaching for Minnesota. That award is given by the U.S. Department of Education. Much of the credit for Duluth East High School's success belongs to its principal, Laurie Knapp, and to the dedicated teachers. The students and staff at Duluth East High School understand that, in order to be successful, a school must go beyond achieving academic success. It must also provide a nurturing environment where students can develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for success throughout life. All of the faculty, staff, and students at Duluth East High School should be very proud of their accomplishments. I congratulate Duluth East High School in Duluth for winning the Award for Excellence in Education and for its exceptional contributions to education in Minnesota. ____________________