Amidst all the gloom and doom of recession and bailout talks, our community is so fortunate to be able to point to two stellar achievements that will surely enhance the economic recovery of our region. For the second consecutive year, East Lansing High School has earned the Silver Medal designation by the U.S. News & World Report. This ranking places ELHS in the top 2.9% of 21,000 public schools surveyed nationwide. Schools were evaluated based on the ability to address diverse needs and the degree to which they prepare students for college. Only 19 other high schools in Michigan were named Silver Medal Schools in this latest annual report.

I’m not the least bit surprised however, having two children of my own the East Lansing School system. This rating is a reflection of a community that is invested in education as evidenced by the recent millage renewals. Our recent Citizen Survey also showed a dramatic increase in satisfaction with our schools. Most of all, this outstanding achievement is a direct result of the good work of all of our K-12 teachers, administration and staff and they are to be congratulated!

The FRIB is in the crib!

Of course the other great piece of news is the recent decision of the U.S. Department of Energy to locate the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) on the campus of Michigan State University. Already the site of the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL), MSU is uniquely poised to house the FRIB and to assume its place as a global leader in the area of nuclear accelerators. This half-billion dollar, federally-funded project will bring to the region, critical construction and knowledge-based jobs and further establish MSU as a leading research institution.

From the City’s perspective, we are pleased that our significant development and community reinvestment, along with our outstanding public school system, will help to attract the finest minds from around the world as this project moves forward. Congratulations to all who worked so hard to prevail in this highly competitive process, especially President Lou Anna K. Simon. This project will be a tremendous asset to our city and our region – I’m willing to bet any school-aged child in the area will be able to tell you what FRIB means before the end of the school year (I know mine will)!

What a great holiday gift to the community! And speaking of that, I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.