[Pages H1319-H1320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOL CHOICE

  (Mr. SPANO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of 
school choice. Last week was National School Choice Week when 
individuals from all over the country gathered to raise awareness of 
different education options available to parents and their kids.

[[Page H1320]]

  In my home State of Florida, we are blessed to have access to 
traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, private 
schools, online learning, and home schooling. These diverse programs 
provide kids with different opportunities to excel in the learning 
environment that works best for them.
  I think specifically of Hunter Frost, a young man with autism who I 
have gotten to know very well. Hunter attended Pepin Academies, a 
tuition-free charter school in our district that specializes in 
teaching students with learning and learning-related disabilities.
  Hunter thrived at Pepin Academies, graduating third in his class. He 
went on to receive his associate's degree from Hillsborough Community 
College with an A average and has been accepted by my alma mater, the 
University of South Florida, where he plans to begin this fall.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to have Hunter as an intern in my office, 
and I look forward to his success and to seeing him excel in college 
and beyond.

                          ____________________