IV 

111TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 586 

Recognizing the achievements of America’s high school valedictorians of the 

graduating class of 2009, promoting the importance of encouraging intellectual growth, and rewarding academic excellence of all American high 

school students. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

JUNE 25, 2009 

Mr. MEEKS of New York (for himself, Mr. RUSH, Ms. LEE of California, Mr. 

MEEK of Florida, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. DAVIS

of Illinois, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Mr. ORTIZ, Mr. REYES, Mr. 

GRIJALVA, Mrs. MALONEY, Mr. LARSON of Connecticut, Ms. HIRONO, 

Mr. KIRK, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. GRAYSON, Mr. 

CUMMINGS, Ms. FUDGE, Ms. CLARKE, Mr. WILSON of Ohio, Mr. 

DRIEHAUS, Mr. POMEROY, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. 

CARSON of Indiana, Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, Mr. CHANDLER, 

Mr. OLVER, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Mr. ENGEL, Mr. 

HINOJOSA, Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia, Mr. MANZULLO, Mr. TONKO, Ms. 

KOSMAS, Mr. WATT, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi, 

Mr. TOWNS, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, Mr. WILSON

of South Carolina, Mr. BOREN, Mr. ISRAEL, Mr. GRIFFITH, Mr. SCOTT

of Georgia, Ms. WATSON, Mr. PASTOR of Arizona, Ms. GIFFORDS, and 

Mr. RAHALL) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 

the Committee on Education and Labor 

RESOLUTION 

Recognizing the achievements of America’s high school valedictorians of the graduating class of 2009, promoting 

the importance of encouraging intellectual growth, and 

rewarding academic excellence of all American high 

school students. 


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•HRES 586 IH 

Whereas valedictorians are conferred as the highest academically ranked student in their high school’s graduating 

class; 

Whereas our Nation’s secondary schools honor their highest 

academically ranked students with the ‘‘Valedictorian’’ 

title; 

Whereas valedictorians have demonstrated consistency in 

their intellectual inquiry, academic discipline, and utilization of teacher mentoring throughout their high school 

careers; 

Whereas valedictorians serve as peer role models to fellow 

high school students by succeeding academically and contributing to community improvement; 

Whereas valedictorians are charged with the duty of giving a 

graduation speech that reflects upon the intellectual development and community involvement of the graduating 

class and inspires all graduating students to further their 

academic studies and social engagement; 

Whereas numerous valedictorians and graduating seniors will 

further their intellectual interests and academic studies 

by enrolling in universities and postsecondary educational 

institutions; 

Whereas family members, teachers, school administrators, 

and community members have nurtured the intellectual 

growth and rewarded the academic achievements of valedictorians and graduating seniors; and 

Whereas valedictorians and graduating seniors will become 

America’s future civic, business, and political leaders, 

maintaining our Nation’s global leadership position and 

strengthening its economic competitiveness: Now, therefore, be it 


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•HRES 586 IH 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) honors and recognizes the valedictorians 

3 and graduating seniors of the class of 2009 for their 

4 academic achievements and contributions to their 

5 communities; 

6 (2) encourages all valedictorians and graduating 

7 seniors to further their intellectual inquiry and aca8 demic studies in universities and postsecondary edu9 cational institutions; and 

10 (3) supports the continued social engagement of 

11 valedictorians and graduating seniors, which utilizes 

12 their knowledge and skills for the betterment of 

13 their communities and the social, cultural, and eco14 nomic advancement of the Nation. 

Æ 


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