Secretary Shinseki Visits Meade High School, Encourages Students to Set Educational...

Secretary Shinseki Visits Meade High School, Encourages Students to Set
Educational Goals

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Heeding President Obama's call
for students to take charge of their education Secretary of Veterans Affairs
(VA) Eric K. Shinseki today visited Meade High School in Maryland to challenge
students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for
their learning.

"I am honored to be here at Meade High School to support President Obama's
important message of hope for you and our country," Secretary Shinseki said to
an audience of more than 700 students. "We are committed to helping you
achieve greatness for yourselves, your communities, and the nation by
encouraging each of you to set and achieve the highest educational goals.
America will not succeed in the 21st century unless we do a far better job of
educating you - our sons and daughters."

Students throughout the county attended "My Education My Future" events to
hear President Obama's nationwide call to action, during his virtual address
to students at noon from a Northern Virginia high school.

Shinseki encouraged the students to consider a path of volunteerism, noting
that more than 20,000 young volunteers give their time to more than 160
Department of Veterans Affairs facilities across the nation.

"Volunteering at a VA medical facility is a learning experience in as many
ways as it is a giving experience," Shinseki said. "From seniors as old as
your grandparents, to young people not much older than you, Veterans enjoy the
company and care young volunteers provide."

Shinseki, was joined by Anthony G. Brown, Maryland Lieutenant Governor; Dr.
Kevin Maxwell, Superintendent of Anne Arundel County schools; and Daryl
Kennedy, Principal of Meade High School.

"I applaud President Obama's commitment to America's schools and, more
importantly, America's students and I 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."

SOURCE U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Katie Roberts of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, +1-202-461-4982,
katie.roberts@va.gov