Washington, DC - Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator for Colorado, released the following statement on President Obama's selection of the Race to the Top Commencement Challenge winner. The Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST) was one of three finalists but was not selected to have President Obama as the keynote speaker at its commencement.

"While we are all disappointed that the Denver School of Science and Technology did not win the Commencement Challenge, DSST's performance in the contest was exemplary. Its inclusion in the final three out of more than 1,000 schools truly is a great honor. The recognition the school has received throughout this competition is a testament to its excellent students, faculty, administration and parents. I wish the graduating seniors all the best in college and in their future endeavors, and I hope the entire school will enjoy the commencement address by a Cabinet Secretary.

"I think that the President is probably relieved that he won't have to go toe-to-toe in a basketball game against one of DSST's students.

"The class of 2010 at DSST achieved 100 percent acceptance into four-year colleges-a goal that graduating students have set and met at DSST for the last three years. Everyone who watched DSST's application video can see what a dedicated, hardworking learning community DSST students and teachers have built."

--Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator for Colorado