[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 45 (Tuesday, April 11, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE SOUTHERLAND HEAD START PROGRAM ON THEIR 35TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. NICK LAMPSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 11, 2000

  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate the Southerland Head 
Start program on their 35th Anniversary. For thirty-five years this 
school has been serving children in need and making sure that they have 
the resources necessary for a successful educational future.
  In Beaumont there were originally two Head Start Centers, one at 
Dunbar and the other at South Park. Mavis Bryant was the director at 
Dunbar from 1965-1984, and Claire Collier was the director at South 
Park from 1966-1984. In 1984, the districts merged and the center 
became known as Southerland Head Start, where Claire Collier served as 
director until her retirement in 1994. Two principals/directors have 
followed Claire Collier, Charles Vanderburg served from 1994-1999, and 
Gloria Harrison is currently serving.
  Southerland serves the community well, and there are currently 460 
students enrolled in the program. Southerland's motto is ``Touching 
Children . . . Reaching Families,'' and they truly live up to that 
motto. They reach out to children, improving their self esteem, health, 
and physical development. Children at Southerland learn and grow in an 
environment that promotes positive experiences and an understanding of 
the world around them.
  I believe that we must provide an opportunity for every child in 
America to fulfill her or his potential through participation in an 
enriching and challenging learning environment starting at birth, and 
programs such as Southerland Head Start help us achieve that goal. I 
would like to thank Dr. Carrol Thomas, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. 
Mae E. Jones-Clark, Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and 
Instruction, and Gloria Harrison, Head Start Director/Principal, and 
all of the other people who are serving the school with unparalleled 
dedication.
  Mr. Speaker, Southerland has served the children of Beaumont for 
thirty-five years, and I congratulate them as they celebrate this 
milestone of achievement.

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