Washington, D.C. – In honor of National Catholic Schools Week, U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Richard Neal (D-MA) introduced a resolution to commend Catholic schools for their contributions to our education system and society. 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 the 35 Catholic schools in the 18th District of Illinois and across the country, who invest in their student’s academic and spiritual formation. My own experience in Catholic schools helped me prepare for life experiences as a husband, father, and Member of Congress, and I am pleased to continue this effort to recognize their contributions."
“Having taught at Cathedral High School in Springfield early in my career, I can tell you that I am a firm believer in Catholic education,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal, Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. “The Sisters of St. Joseph who I taught alongside were selfless, dedicated, and generous. Not only did the students learn important life lessons from them, but so did I. I applaud the Diocese of Springfield and their commitment to Catholic education in Berkshire, Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin counties here in Massachusetts. They – and other parochial schools across our country –provide high-quality academic programs, extracurricular activities, and faith formation. I am glad to recognize their efforts in Congress.”
This year’s National Catholic Schools Week is celebrated from January 30th to February 5th. 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 Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. He and his wife, Kristen, have three boys who currently attend Catholic schools.
The resolution is co-sponsored by U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Garret Graves (R-LA), Bob Latta (R-OH), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Stephen Lynch (D-TN), Jim Langevin (D-RI), Jim Costa (D-CA), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Alex Mooney (R-WV), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Jackie Walorski (R-IN), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), David Joyce (R-OH), and Tom Suozzi (D-NY).
###
