[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 21 (Thursday, March 5, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CONGRATULATIONS SOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 5, 1998

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, schools provide a foundation for both 
learning and growing. For three quarters of a century South Middle 
School has been able to provide students with a rigorous academic 
curriculum that is essential to prepare students for the future. Since 
the opening of South Middle School in 1922 there has been a strong 
emphasis placed on academic excellence, involvement in school co-
curricular and athletic activities, and self-discipline and pride in 
taking responsibility for the development of each student reaching 
their academic height. I rise today to pay tribute to South Middle 
School, who ceremoniously celebrated its seventy-fifth anniversary on 
Thursday, February 26, 1998.
  Since its opening, South Middle School has provided the student body 
with elective classes and organizations that cater to even some of the 
most diverse interests. Even in the early days students were encouraged 
to join clubs, organizations, play sports and even become hall 
monitors. Today the students still have many opportunities to 
participate in school social functions and have even undergone recent 
changes that help move the school forward. These changes have included 
the universal use of school ID cards, and the introduction of such 
classes as technical education and computers.
  Each year 800 to 1,200 students attend South Middle School, which is 
dedicated to providing its students with a racially diverse urban 
environment. Six times a year 200 of the school's white, black, 
hispanic and disabled male and female students will attend a dance at 
the school. It is activities such as these that provide students from 
all different backgrounds with the chance to enjoy each other's company 
in such a positive setting.
  The community has played a crucial part in making South Middle School 
an academic success and continues to take an active role in providing 
success for the future. The South Middle School staff is on a mission 
to provide comprehensive education to all students. The staff provides 
for the students' social, emotional, physical and intellectual needs, 
as well as their interests and special talents. Success is monitored 
through input and feedback from students, parents and the staff of the 
high schools they will eventually attend.
  Mr. Speaker, the South Middle School has been an academic success as 
well as a strong foundation for both the students and the community. I 
encourage you and our colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
incredible contributions to the community and in congratulating them on 
75 magnificent years of success, commitment and dedication.

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