Washington, D.C. – In honor of National Catholic Schools Week, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) introduced H.Res 66 to commend Catholic schools for their contributions to our children’s education and society, as well as their dedication and work during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue educating students safely. The annual National Catholic Schools Week celebrates students, parents, teachers, and local communities that allow Catholic schools to thrive.
"As a proud graduate of Catholic grade school, high school, and college, I look forward to highlighting the achievements of Catholic schools in Illinois and across America each year during National Catholic Schools Week," said Rep. LaHood. "I applaud Catholic schools across the country, and the 35 in my district, who invest in their students' academic and spiritual formation. My own personal experience in Catholic schools helped prepare me for my life experiences as a husband, father, and Member of Congress. I am pleased to lead this effort to recognize the many contributions of Catholic schools this week."
“NCEA and all our school communities are grateful to Congressman LaHood and his colleagues for this Resolution supporting the contribution of Catholic schools to our nation as we celebrate the 47th annual National Catholic School week,” said Kathy Mears, National Catholic Educational Association Interim President/CEO. This recognition brings great joy to our educators, students, and families."
This year’s National Catholic Schools Week is celebrated from January 31st to February 6th. The 18th District of Illinois is home to 35 Catholic grade schools and high schools. Rep. LaHood attended grade school at St. Anne Grade School in East Moline, high school at Spalding Institute in Peoria, now Peoria Notre Dame, and then Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. He and his wife, Kristen, have three boys who currently and previously attend Catholic schools.
The resolution is co-sponsored by U.S. Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ), Bob Latta (R-OH), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Alex Mooney (R-WV), Jackie Walorski (R-IN), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Ron Wright (R-TX), and David Joyce (R-OH), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and John Rutherford (R-FL).
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