[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 28 (Monday, March 16, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            TRIBUTE TO THE CYC OF WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 16, 1998

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
Catholic Youth Center (CYC) of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on its 50th 
Anniversary. I am pleased to have been asked to take part in a ceremony 
marking this important event on March 19, 1998.
  In 1947, Bishop William Hafey envisioned a special place for the 
young people of Northeastern Pennsylvania to socialize, recreate, grow, 
and enjoy. The original building purchased in 1948 housed a small gym, 
bowling alley, and auditorium. In January, 1949, the CYC was officially 
dedicated with a membership of 1,000 young people from around the 
region. In the five decades that followed, the expansion and growth of 
the CYC would surpass even Bishop Hafey's dreams.
  Over the next years, the CYC developed programs in archery, 
basketball, cheerleading and, with an addition of a pool, swimming. The 
swim team under the mentoring of Jim Higgins created a legacy in 
swimming competition in the Wyoming Valley.
  A student council was established to form a link to nearby schools 
and new programs continued to be added, including the Junior Basketball 
Officials Club, initiated by then-Director of Athletics Anthony D. 
English, Jr.
  In the 1970s Mr. English was promoted to Executive Director, He would 
serve with four priests over the next years: Father Francis Houston, 
father Paul Flynn, Father William Kearney, and Father John S. Terry who 
is the present priest-director.
  Mr. Speaker, the Catholic Youth Center survived the devastation of a 
1972 flood that was at the time the most expensive natural disaster in 
American history. The CYC survived a severe funding shortage in the 
1980's. Each time it was faced with crisis, the community rallied to 
save the CYC. Corporate support and community fundraising have made 
this facility into an outstanding center for youth activity in the 
Wyoming Valley. From basketball to daycare, the CYC is considered a 
leader in youth recreation and community service. I am extremely proud 
to commend the staff, Mr. Anthony English, Father Terry, Mr. Mark 
Soprano, and the Board of Directors of the Catholic Youth Center for 
their dedication to the youth of the Wyoming Valley. I send my 
heartiest congratulations on this milestone event and best wishes for 
continued success and prosperity.