Lt. Governor Brown Joins USVA Secretary Shinseki at "My Education, My Future" Event at Meade High School

 

FT. MEADE, MD (September 8, 2009) – Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown joined United States Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki at Meade Senior High School. The event was part of the Obama-Biden Administration’s efforts to encourage students across America to understand the importance of taking responsibility for their education.

“I applaud President Obama’s commitment to America’s schools and, more importantly, America’s students. I also thank Secretary Shinseki for encouraging our students to take charge of their education and find the dedication to change their community,” Lt. Governor Brown said. “Strong schools are built by choice, not by chance and I believe that our strongest schools teach not just the core subjects, but also character and service. As a new school year begins, I am more hopeful than ever for the bright future we will build together.”

Brown speaks to students at Meade High SchoolShortly after Brown and Shinseki spoke with Meade’s 2,100 students, students watched as President Obama delivered a national address on the administration’s education agenda. Obama, speaking at a high school in Northern Virginia, encouraged students to stay in school and make the most of their school experience.

During Brown’s brief remarks, he highlighted the State’s K-12 educational achievements, including Education Week’s Number One ranking of the state’s public schools and Maryland’s nation-leading AP participation and performance. Even during difficult economic times, the O’Malley-Brown administration has increased funding for K-12 education and has invested over $1 billion in school construction.

Meade High School, like most schools across Maryland, has seen significant progress in recent years. In 2003, less than 60 percent of all Meade students scored proficient of better in reading and less than 45 percent scored proficient or better in math. Last year, 78.5 percent of students scored proficient or better in reading and 80 percent score that high in math.

Since taking office, Governor O’Malley has cut over $4.3 billion from the state budget. Despite difficult economic times, the O’Malley-Brown administration protected K-12 funding and is the first administration to fully fund Thornton.

View more photos from this event.

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