[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 68 (Friday, May 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E995]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMEMORATING LOWELL HIGH SCHOOL'S SESQUICENTENNIAL

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                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2006

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply honored to rise today in 
recognition of the sesquicentennial of San Francisco's Lowell High 
School. The oldest public high school west of the Mississippi River, 
Lowell has now maintained its stellar reputation for excellence for a 
remarkable 150 years.
  Lowell High School, originally named Union Grammar School, was 
established in 1856 by the San Francisco School Board. It was the first 
public secondary school in California. In 1894, the school was renamed 
to honor the distinguished poet, James Russell Lowell. Over the years, 
Lowell has relocated its campus twice to accommodate more students. It 
has occupied its current location near Lake Merced since 1962.
  For one and a half centuries, Lowell High School has been a model of 
academic excellence. Lowell has been recognized as one of the best 
public schools in the Nation by numerous magazines, including Money, 
Parade, and Town and Country. This year, Newsweek ranked Lowell 26th 
among all public high schools in the Nation. The College Board ranked 
Lowell sixth in the number of Advanced Placement examinations 
administered in 1996; the school was ranked eighth in 1994. Lowell is 
also a three-time recipient of the U.S. Department of Education's Blue 
Ribbon Award.
  Today, we honor and thank all current and former faculty and staff 
who have challenged and inspired generations of students to reach their 
full potential. Lowell's magnificent educators have helped their 
students achieve the highest level of learning and cultivate the 
strengths needed to succeed. Lowell produces determined students who 
matriculate at some of our country's most prestigious universities. 
Lowell's graduates are well equipped to assume the grave responsibility 
of making the world a better place.
  We must also pay tribute to Paul Cheng for a lifetime of academic 
leadership, including 16 years as principal of Lowell High School. His 
contributions to San Francisco's schools and students are 
extraordinary.
  San Franciscans take pride in Lowell's mission to foster an 
environment of superior learning while maintaining the cultural and 
social diversity that we respect and embrace. I am proud that San 
Francisco is the home of this impressive academic institution. Let us 
all join in celebrating and congratulating Lowell on its 150 years of 
loyal dedication to our Nation's youth.

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