[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 64 (Monday, May 16, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE SPRINGVILLE-GRIFFITH INSTITUTE AND SPRINGFIELD-GRIFFITH 
         INSTITUTE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT ON 175TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 16, 2005

  Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to 
recognize the Springville-Griffith Institute and Springville-Griffith 
Institute Central School District on the occasion of its 175th 
Anniversary. As a proud graduate of Springville-Griffith Institute, I 
know firsthand the dedication that the teachers, administrators and 
staff bring to providing a top-notch education for their students.
  Springville Academy was organized in 1825. After Dewitt Clinton 
penned the school's incorporation in 1827, it opened its doors in 1830, 
making it the first high school in Erie County. The original school 
building was a modest one, with most of the funds used to build the 
school coming from community donations.
  From the time of its inception, Springville Academy became an 
educational cornerstone of both Springville and Western New York, 
drawing students from all across the region. By 1849, there were 110 
boys and 100 girls attending the school. In 1867, the school became 
known as the Griffith Institute in recognition of a scholarship gift 
from Archibald Griffith. As the years passed, the school and its 
student population grew, as did its reputation for providing a quality 
education. Today, the district boasts an enrollment of over 2,300 
students.
  Over the past 175 years, the Springville-Griffith Institute has 
touched the lives of thousands of students, their families, our 
community and our nation. Notable graduates of the school include: 
author and statesmen Clark E. Carr, who suggested that his close 
friend, President Abraham Lincoln, be invited to speak at Gettysburg; 
Ralph B. Waite, who brought the world ``painless dentistry'' through 
the introduction of Novocain; and Glen S. ``Pop'' Warner, the man who 
introduced protective padding, numbered plays and jerseys, and who 
pioneered the forward pass, spiral, forever changing the game of 
football.
  Schools are cornerstones of our communities, and nowhere is that more 
true than in Springville, New York. Throughout its history, the 
Griffith Institute's staff--past and present--have helped shape and 
positively influence thousands of local students, and continue to do so 
today. We in Western New York appreciate all that the Springville-
Griffith Institute has done to educate generations of children, and we 
hope for many more successful years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in celebrating the 175h 
Anniversary of the Springville Academy, Griffith Institute, and 
Springville-Griffith Institute Central School District.

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