UNOFFICIAL COPY AS OF 01/28/14 14 REG. SESS. 14 RS BR 1260

A RESOLUTION adjourning the Senate in honor of Catholic Schools Week 2014.

WHEREAS, January 26th to February 1st is Catholic Schools Week 2014; and

WHEREAS, this year marks the 40th anniversary of Catholic Schools Week, a celebration that honors the administrators, teachers, and students in Catholic schools across this nation; and

WHEREAS, Catholic Schools Week is a joint project of the National Catholic Education Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The week will again be a celebration of the spiritual and intellectual education that America's Catholic schools so diligently impart to their students. Catholic schools will celebrate this week with special masses and programs that will highlight the strength of a Catholic education; and

WHEREAS, the theme for Catholic Schools Week 2014 is "Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and Service." The theme perfectly encapsulates what it means to attend and teach at a Catholic school, as it highlights the faith necessary to achieve a religious education, the knowledge that the students of Catholic schools gain on a daily basis, and the stewardship that is the backbone of the Catholic church all over the world; and

WHEREAS, Catholic schools excel in education. In Kentucky the Catholic Church operates more than a hundred schools where they train the minds of the young in a vibrant, intellectual tradition. With higher rates of test scores, a graduation rate of 99%, and a college attendance rate of 96%, Catholic schools are performing superbly as they continue to provide this valuable public service. In Kentucky, each student in public school costs the state $9,246.00. The Catholic Schools of Kentucky save the Commonwealth $351 million a year and $700 million every budgetary session by educating nearly 38,000 young men and women who would otherwise burden the public school system; and

WHEREAS, every school day dedicated teachers, principals, and personnel of our Catholic schools strive to ensure that the next generation receives an excellent education for the workforce and the proper character formation for responsible citizenship. The Commonwealth of Kentucky is well served by the system of Catholic education; and

WHEREAS, Catholic Schools Week 2014 will again be an acknowledgement of the good work Catholic schools do in this country and in this Commonwealth. This honorable body hereby commends the good work Kentucky's Catholic school administrators and teachers do on a daily basis, and wishes everyone involved in Catholic education a blessed and successful Catholic Schools Week;

NOW, THEREFORE,

Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:

âSection 1. The Senate recognizes Catholic Schools Week 2014 and thanks Kentucky's Catholic school administrations, faculties, and staffs for upholding the Catholic tradition and carrying forward the light of our Creator to future generations of young Catholics.

âSection 2. When the Senate adjourns this day, it does so in honor of Catholic Schools Week 2014.

âSection 3. The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to Senator Jimmy Higdon for delivery.

Page 1 of 2

BR126000.100 - 1260 - 2652 Jacketed