[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 36 (Wednesday, March 19, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E515]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    LA PROGRESIVA PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL TWENTY-FIFTH YEAR ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 19, 1997

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize La 
Progresiva Presbyterian School for its 25th school year anniversary.
  The Presbyterian school, La Progresiva, was founded in Cardenas, Cuba 
by a North American missionary named Dr. Robert L. Wharton on the 11th 
of November, 1900. On that day, La Progresiva opened its doors with 
only 14 students and with the reading of the first book of Corinthians 
chapter.
  The school developed into one of the finest educational 
establishments of Cuba, expanding its facilities to accommodate the 
increasing enrollment of students. Its growing reputation as a fine 
center of learning, however, was put to a stop in 1961 with the arrival 
of communism in the island.
  Communism was able to put an end to the material aspect of La 
Progresiva in Cardenas, but it could never destroy the spirit and 
ideals which still remained alive. So in September 1971, with the help 
of the First Spanish Presbyterian Church of Miami and the alumni of the 
old La Progresiva, the new Progresiva opened its doors. It started with 
humble beginnings in much the same way its predecessor had.
  Like the old school, this new one grew in popularity and as a result 
of the increasing demand for enrollment, La Progresiva added another 
wing to its main building in 1978. The school continued its expansion 
adding more classrooms to accommodate the demand for admittance into 
the school. Along with growing in educational capacity, La Progresiva 
also bettered itself in the athletic department, improving over the 
years in its sports and, presently, plans are being discussed for a 
gymnasium.
  The Progresiva spirit has prevailed through the years to produce a 
center of learning which will stand long into the future and one which 
makes all ``Progresivistas'' proud.
  On this, La Progresivas' 25th school year anniversary, the school's 
motto is stronger than ever: ``Una Vez de La Progresiva, Siempre de La 
Progresiva.''

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