[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E720-E721]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PORTAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT, PORTAGE, 
                                MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 23, 1997

  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th anniversary of 
the Portage School District in southwest Michigan. Much has changed 
since the school doors opened in 1922, but throughout the years the 
Portage schools have consistently succeeded in providing a high quality 
education and outstanding services for students.
  Formed in 1922 as the Portage Agricultural School District, the 
district then had five teachers. Today, 550 professionals educate 
nearly 9,000 students who fill 8 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 
and 2 high schools. The school district boasts student achievement 
scores that are 15 percent to 20 percent higher than State averages 
with 83 percent of their students going on to higher education.
  The strength and excellence of the school district's curriculum and 
programs prepares

[[Page E721]]

youths for the challenges they will face following graduation. It is 
with great pleasure that I am able to represent the Portage schools and 
witness their remarkable growth. I consider their comprehensive 
programs to be a model of success, and I have the utmost confidence in 
their ability to continue serving students for another 75 years with 
the same excellence they have achieved.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that the people of Portage have always stood 
behind their schools, just like the school district stands behind its 
students and staff. As their Representative in Congress, it is a great 
honor for me to rise today in recognition of their accomplishments and 
wish them many more years of prosperity.

                          ____________________