[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 142 (Wednesday, November 1, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2048]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               MIRIAM G. CANTER MIDDLE SCHOOL DEDICATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 1, 2000

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the dedication of the renaming of 
Chicago's Louis Wirth Experimental School to the Miriam G. Canter 
Middle School. Miriam G. Canter, my constituent and my friend, died on 
October 22, 1999. However, her dedication and commitment to her 
community and the public school system, lives on in the lives of the 
students at Louis Wirth Experimental School.
  This school, located in my district, was founded in 1969 by a group 
of influential parents and community residents, led by Mrs. Canter. As 
a parent and long time, proud resident of Chicago's Hyde Park 
neighborhood, she had a vision for her community's children. She 
believed they needed a school that would offer modern, flexible 
educational programs designed to use children's experiences to enhance 
their learning.
  Over the years, Mrs. Canter's vision has been realized. Since its 
founding, the school has provided enriching educational programs that 
prepare children for success in high school and beyond. In addition, 
Mrs. Canter retained an active interest in the Wirth School long after 
her own children graduated. She served as president of the Parent 
Teachers Association and remained an active member of the Local School 
Council under her passing. In fact, her last fight was to get a new gym 
and lunchroom added to the facility.
  So, in a lasting tribute, on October 12, 2000, the community, Local 
School Council and the Chicago Public School System will dedicate the 
renaming of the Louis Wirth Elementary School to the Miriam G. Canter 
Middle School. I stand in total agreement with this action and believe 
it is a most appropriate way to honor this mother, community leader, 
and public school advocate.
  Truly, her work embodies the spirit of advocacy that will ensure 
educational excellence in the nation's public schools for our children.

                          ____________________