Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) joined Congressman Richard Neal (MA-01) and Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) in reintroducing a bipartisan, bicameral resolution in honor of National Catholic Schools Week. This resolution recognizes the contributions of Catholic schools throughout our communities.
“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 every year during National Catholic Schools Week,” said Rep. LaHood. “Catholic schools create an environment to help students thrive academically and socially, while preparing students for their future careers and a life of integrity and service. Catholic education prepared me for my experiences as a husband, father, and member of Congress. I will always support our Catholic schools, and I thank the teachers and faculty for their commitment to our nation’s students.”
“Catholic schools play a critical role in the development of our nation’s youth, providing an affordable, quality education to a diverse body of 1.7 million students throughout the country. Having taught history at Cathedral High School in Springfield, Massachusetts, I have seen firsthand the commitment and achievements of Catholic schools in western Massachusetts both as an educator and as a father. That is why I am proud to sign on as a cosponsor of this resolution,” said Rep. Neal. “As we celebrate the 51st Anniversary of National Catholic Schools Week, let us recognize and thank our educators who continue to foster a safe and inclusive environment for learning.”
“Catholic schools help instill a values-added education, emphasizing the lifelong development of moral, intellectual, and social values among our nation’s youth,” said Senator Schmitt. “As a proud graduate of Missouri’s Catholic education system, I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing the hard work and many accomplishments of our nation’s Catholic schools during this National Catholic Schools Week.”
Background:
This year’s National Catholic Schools Week is celebrated from January 26th through February 1st and is recognized by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Catholic Education Association. Rep. LaHood has led Congressional support for National Catholic Schools Week for the past five years.
The 16th District of Illinois is home to students who attend 31 Catholic grade schools and high schools in the region. 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 have all attended Catholic schools.
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