[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12] [Senate] [Page 16685] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ HAWAII BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, today I congratulate three Hawaii schools for being recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools for 2010 by the U.S. Department of Education. These schools, Ewa Beach Elementary School, Momilani Elementary School, and Royal School, serve as models of success and accomplishment. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools whose students achieve at very high levels or have made significant progress and helped close gaps in achievement, especially among disadvantaged and minority students. The program is part of a larger Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about best school leadership and teaching practices. I wish to extend my aloha to the principals: Sherry Lee Kobayashi of Ewa Beach, Doreen Higa of Momilani, and Ann Sugibayashi of Royal. As a former principal, I know firsthand the dedication that goes into leading schools and staffs, and I commend them for their hard work on behalf of their students and communities. I also commend the students, families, teachers, and staff of all three schools for their contributions towards this recognition. I am proud of all that our keiki, the children, can accomplish when they are given access to quality education. My sincere mahalo, thanks, again, to Ewa Beach Elementary School, Momilani Elementary School, and Royal School for their efforts to give our students the best education possible. I offer my congratulations to all 2010 Blue Ribbon Schools nationwide and my sincere wishes for success in their futures. ____________________