Peoria Standard

Congressman Darin LaHood, along with Congressman Richard Neal and Senators Eric Schmitt and Tim Kaine, has reintroduced a bipartisan resolution in support of National Catholic Schools Week. This initiative aims to acknowledge the contributions of Catholic schools across 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."

Rep. Neal emphasized the role of these institutions in providing quality education to 1.7 million students nationwide: "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," he stated.

Senator Schmitt highlighted the values instilled by Catholic education: "Catholic schools help instill a values-added education, emphasizing the lifelong development of moral, intellectual, and social values among our nation’s youth," he said.

This year's National Catholic Schools Week runs from January 26th through February 1st. It is recognized by both the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Catholic Education Association. Congressman LaHood has been leading Congressional support for this event for five years.

The 16th District of Illinois includes 31 Catholic grade schools and high schools attended by local students. Rep. LaHood himself is an alumnus of several such institutions including St. Anne Grade School in East Moline and Spalding Institute in Peoria.