[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E559]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF FORDSON HIGH SCHOOL

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                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 25, 2003

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th 
Anniversary of Fordson High School in Dearborn, Michigan.
  Dedicated on March 22, 1928, Fordson High School was designed and 
built on 15 acres to accommodate 2,300 students at a cost of $2 
million. Fordson was heralded in the 1920's for being the first 
million-dollar high school. However, it is the steadfast dedication to 
education and more specifically, Fordson's national reputation for 
helping establish immigrants in the United States that has truly set it 
apart.
  Mr. Speaker, the City of Dearborn experienced unprecedented growth 
with the rise of the automotive industry in the 1920s and 1930s. It was 
during this time that Fordson became the center of a community 
increasingly noted for the number of immigrants and for its ethnic 
diversity. Today, the activities of the Arabic and Romanian clubs at 
the school continue the tradition of community outreach programs. A 
plethora of diverse languages and cultures have walked the halls of 
Fordson High School over the past 75 years. In fact, Fordson pioneers a 
program teaching non-English speaking students in their native language 
to keep up with their class work until their English skills are 
proficient.
  Education has remained a top priority for Fordson producing many 
distinguished graduates. Local businessman and philanthropist Michael 
Adray; Walter P. Reuther, former president and founder of the UAW; 
Chuck Rossi, comedian with Martin and Rossi; name only a few of the 
noted graduates.
  Mr. Speaker, as Fordson embarks on its 75th Anniversary, and in honor 
of their unfaltering dedication to diversity and education within the 
community, I would ask that all of my colleagues rise and salute this 
wonderful school.




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