Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Polytechnic Preparatory Country Day School. The school is a pillar of academic excellence in Brooklyn, New York. It is a true privilege to acknowledge the great strides Poly Prep has made over the years since it first opened its doors in 1854.

Since its inception as the Brooklyn Collegiate and Polytechnic Institute, the Polytechnic Preparatory Country Day School has immersed its students in outstanding academic programs and provided a strong, supportive community. Like New York City, the school has opened its doors to students from all over the world, representing an array of cultures, languages and traditions. That commitment to diversity speaks volumes about Poly Prep's illustrious history.

The school's 150th anniversary provides a hallmark for reflection on Poly Prep's tireless efforts to provide a diverse and educationally sound environment which has led its students to academic success. Therefore, on behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I congratulate the Polytechnic Preparatory Country Day School on the occasion of its 150th anniversary--its Sesquicentennial--for its efforts toward educational excellence and providi ng an environment that is as diverse and rich in experience and tradition as New York City itself.