Peoria Standard

U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Richard Neal (D-MA) have reintroduced a bipartisan resolution to commend Catholic schools for their contributions to the education system and society. The resolution comes in honor of the 50th Anniversary of National Catholic Schools Week, which celebrates the achievements of students, parents, teachers, and local communities that support Catholic schools.

Congressman LaHood, a proud graduate of Catholic grade school, high school, and college, expressed his enthusiasm for highlighting the accomplishments of Catholic schools during National Catholic Schools Week. He commended the sixteen Catholic schools in the 16th District of Illinois and across the country for their investment in their students' academic and spiritual formation. LaHood emphasized that his own experience in Catholic schools had prepared him for various life experiences, including his role as a husband, father, and Member of Congress.

Congressman Neal, who taught history at Cathedral High School in Springfield, Massachusetts, shared his firsthand experience of witnessing the commitment and achievements of Catholic schools in western Massachusetts. As a cosponsor of the resolution, Neal recognized the critical role Catholic schools play in the development of the nation's youth, providing an affordable and quality education to 1.7 million students across the country. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging and expressing gratitude to educators who create a safe and inclusive environment for learning.

Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bob Casey (D-PA) have introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate to support National Catholic Schools Week. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Catholic Education Association officially recognize and celebrate this annual event, which takes place from January 29th to February 3rd.

The resolution introduced by LaHood and Neal is not a new initiative. LaHood has been leading a Congressional Resolution of support for National Catholic Schools Week for the past four years. In the 16th District of Illinois alone, there are 31 Catholic grade schools and high schools. LaHood himself attended St. Anne Grade School in East Moline for grade school, Spalding Institute in Peoria (now Peoria Notre Dame) for high school, and Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, for college. He and his wife, Kristen, have three boys who currently attend Catholic schools.

The reintroduction of this bipartisan resolution highlights the continued recognition and appreciation for the valuable contributions of Catholic schools to the education system and society as a whole.