Sheila Jackson Lee: “I am always reminded of the greatness of America. When the word came: Go west, go west. A little church, a little…”

“I am always reminded of the greatness of America. When the word came: Go west, go west. A little church, a little general store, and a school. I am excited this morning to honor the Victory Early College High School in Acres Home, sponsored by the Aldine Independent School District. And I thank Dr. Bamberg, the superintendent; the trustees; and, as well, Dr. Phyllis Cormier, for they are celebrating right now the National Blue Ribbon Award ceremony--yes, a public school. Victory Early College High School is one of two schools in Houston and one of 335 schools nationally to earn the distinction of a National Blue Ribbon School at an award ceremony hosted by the Department of Education. They exemplify overall academic excellence. Yes, inner-city children, poor children, are showing progress and closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. This particular school has been exemplary in both areas. We are also celebrating Senior Signing Day because each of our graduating seniors will graduate under the distinguished high school plan, and all have been accepted to a 4-year university. They will announce their schools at this event--a public school. The mayor will be there. I am in Washington. I wanted to pay tribute to them. And I want to thank Aldine for letting their M.O. Campbell Center be used for a shelter for those who are fleeing the flood. ____________________”