Congresswoman McCarthy congratulated the middle school students during her address on October 7th with a thumbs-up for their academic excellence, their positive leadership and humanitarian efforts. In a special assembly on October 7th at Garden City Middle School honoring the school's recent selection by the U.S. Department of Education as a National School of Excellence, Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy addressed the eighth-grade student body, congratulating them on their achievement, praising them for their hard work, and thanking them for the honor and educational distinction the 2008 Blue Ribbon achievement brought to Nassau County and to Long Island.

After a musical performance by the middle school band, Principal Dr. Peter Osroff welcomed the students and Congresswoman McCarthy and framed the achievement for the audience members. "New York State's nomination of our school was based on our outstanding level of performance in all areas of measured academic and affective domain achievement. And, not only have we shown the highest level of academic achievement, but our school has shown that our students continue to exemplify outstanding citizenship and behavior. We are not only among the best in academics, but we are among the best in citizenship, . . . You volunteer to help others, look after each other, and don't get involved in problem behaviors. We are so very proud of you all."

As the middle school band performs a recessional at the conclusion of the Blue Ribbon assembly, Garden City Public Schools district and middle school administrators join in thanking Congresswoman McCarthy (left to right): Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Teresa Prendergast, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Feirsen, middle school Principal Dr. Peter Osroff, Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy; middle school Assistant Principals Susan Lee and William Marr, and Assistant Superintendent for Personnel Fino Celano. During the assembly, the Congresswoman presented a special plaque of her official entry of the middle school's achievement into the Congressional Record to Dr. Osroff, as well as a flag which flew on Capitol Hill. The plaque reads:

"Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Garden City Middle School for having received the prestigious Blue Ribbon School Award. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes schools that make significant progress in closing the achievement gap or whose students achieve at very high levels.

Garden City Middle School's band, under the direction of Martha Boonshaft, performed several musical selections at the special assembly, including opening the program with our national anthem. Garden City Middle School succeeds in providing an atmosphere where students foster a desire for life long learning and are motivated to reach their highest potential academically, creatively, socially, physically and emotionally. Last year Garden City Middle School ranked first in Nassau County in the percentage of students passing the New York State Grade 8 Math Assessment and second on the New York State Grade 8 English Assessment. Additionally, Garden City Middle School students ranked first on the New York State Grade 8 English Assessment of students scoring at mastery level. A supplemental aspect of their curriculum is to teach the students social responsibility. Last year Garden City Middle School raised more money for St. Jude's Children's Hospital than any other school in the nation while also participating in Toys for Tots drives, collecting food for food banks, and collection campaigns to support the troops in Iraq.

In addition to a plaque of her official entry of the middle school's achievement into the Congressional Record, Congresswoman McCarthy presented a U.S. flag which flew on Capitol Hill to Principal Osroff. The future of this country depends on the hopes and dreams of its children. Our community, and our nation, are enhanced by the contributions of high achieving students like those at Garden City Middle School.

Madam Speaker, it is with pride and admiration I offer my thanks and recognition to Garden City Middle School."

At the end of this month, Principal Osroff will travel to Washington, D.C. to receive a bronze plaque and banner from Secretary of Education Spelling on behalf of the middle school community during a special ceremony honoring this year's recipients of the National School of Excellence award.

Eighth-grade class representatives pose with Congresswoman McCarthy, who holds the Congressional Record plaque she presented to the school during the October 7th assembly.