[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 26 (Thursday, March 1, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               SAINT ISIDORE SCHOOL CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

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                         HON. VERNON J. EHLERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 1, 2001

  Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, today I give recognition to St. Isidore 
School in Grand Rapids, Michigan for its 100 years of service to the 
Grand Rapids community. Founded by Polish immigrants, the school opened 
its doors to 144 students on January 2, 1901, in a northeastside 
building that served as a combination school, church, and convent. 
Since the ringing of the first bell in 1901, the school has served as 
an excellent example of families committed to providing their children 
with a positive Catholic school experience.
  St. Isidore School, originally the city's East Side Polish parish 
school, has been through many changes over the years and has grown into 
a cosmopolitan school. The current facility on Spring Avenue was built 
in 1926 and in recent years has housed an average of 140 students in 
grades K-8. The record year was 1927 when the pupil count swelled to 
920 students. During a 20 year period from 1927 thru 1947 St. Isidore's 
also opened its doors to ninth grade students.
  During its 100 year existence, St. Isidore's has served as the 
starting point for numerous young men and women who have gone on to 
very challenging and successful careers. Graduates of the school have 
become priests, sisters, doctors, nurses, attorneys, engineers, 
accountants, teachers, administrators, elected officials, and good 
loyal employees of the many industries in the West Michigan area.
  Mr. Speaker, I am extremely delighted to take this time to pay 
tribute to this superb school that has played a vital role in our 
city's history. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting the efforts 
and commitment of the staff and students who have called St. Isidore 
home over the past 100 years. Their dedication to learning and 
excellence is a model for others to follow. Congratulations! May God 
also bless you for your next 100 years!

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