[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 74 (Thursday, May 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN HONOR OF THE DEDICATION OF CENTER HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DOUG OSE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 1999

  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give special recognition to a 
high school in my district that has its eye on the future and its 
students on the road to success. Center High School in the Center 
Unified School District will be dedicated on May 22 after undergoing 
extensive remodeling of its facilities to accommodate, among other 
things the continuing emergence of high technology in the classroom, 
and the growing demand for improved mathematics and science education.
  The dramatic changes at Center High School come at a time when this 
school district faces tremendous challenges in coping with a 
significant loss of student enrollment due to the imminent closure of 
McClellan Air Force Base. Despite such a daunting obstacle, forward-
thinking trustees, administrators, faculty members, school staff, 
parents and others in the community moved ahead with plans to give 
students at Center High School their best possible chance to succeed in 
a rapidly changing world. It should come as no surprise that this 
particular school district took such a leadership role. Even as the 
Gold Rush swept through California and well before the Pony Express 
began to link my state to the rest of the nation, one of the area's 
very first schools opened its doors to students in what is now the 
Center Unified School District. For almost a century and a half, this 
community has focused on future generations.
  At its dedication ceremony, Center High will show off its state-of-
the-art science complex and adjoining computer lab, a new mathematics 
wing with adjoining computer lab, a new library with multiple computer 
research stations, a new 500 seat performing arts theatre and music 
building, a special education wing, and a technology-based curriculum 
integrated in the school's Media Communications and Business Academies.
  It also should be noted that student achievements at Center High 
School are truly remarkable. Most recently, both the student newspaper 
and yearbook received the Gold Crown Awards from the Columbia 
Scholastic Press Association--their equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize. 
It is the only school in the nation to win top honors for both 
publications. In addition, Center High freshman William John was 
recently selected to represent California in People to People 
International at a United Nations conference in Switzerland this 
summer.
  It is refreshing and hopeful for all of us to witness the rebirth of 
Center High School and to honor the tremendous success of its students. 
I urge you to join me in congratulating all those involved for a job 
well done.

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