Brett Guthrie: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1008, honoring the contributions of Catholic schools. January…”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1008, honoring the contributions of Catholic schools. January 31 through February 6 has been designated Catholic Schools Week. 2010 marks the 36th annual Catholic Schools Week, jointly sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Supporting Catholic Schools Week and the work of Catholic schools demonstrates support for the vital role that Catholic elementary and secondary schools play in providing a quality education to the 2.2 million students enrolled across the Nation. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops states Catholic schools have a graduation rate of 99 percent, and about 97 percent of Catholic high school graduates go on to postsecondary training, to 4-year colleges, to community colleges, or to technical schools. In addition to academic success, Catholic educators place an emphasis on the importance of moral and social character development. By emphasizing the importance of developing character as well as academic knowledge, Catholic school educators help students become good citizens as well as academic leaders.”