[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 129 (Tuesday, September 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO ANDERSON HIGH SCHOOL AND ``AHS 2007: THE ULTIMATE 
                             CELEBRATION''

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE PENCE

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 4, 2007

  Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of the great high 
schools in the Sixth District of Indiana: Anderson High School. During 
the 2007-2008 academic year, Anderson High School will offer its 
students a nearly completed new instructional facility for the first 
time in approximately 3 or more years.
  On May 17, 2007, Phase II of the new building was completed and a 
dedication ceremony was held with Principal Phil Nikirk cutting the 
ribbons, in symbolic red and green school colors, held by 2 Student 
Council members. This spectacular facility replaces a beloved landmark 
of over 100 years, the old Anderson High School building which burned 
in 1999. It ushers in a new era of history for this proud school.
  With this thought in mind, the Anderson High School yearbook staff, 
which will be celebrating 100 years of student publishing in 2007-2008, 
will host on Friday, September 7, 2007, ``The Ultimate Celebration.'' 
During this event, every member of the student body will participate in 
an all-school student celebration of both the new school building and 
the oldest student publication in the City of Anderson.
  Further, at present, the Anderson High School yearbook, the Indian, 
will receive written commendation from the Indiana High School Press 
Association, Indiana University's Department of Journalism, and the 
Madison County Historical Society.
  In addition, students will observe (and no doubt cheer) during the 
presentation of a new address for the school's famed Indian mascot. 
This presentation will be made by a descendant of Chief Anderson for 
whom the City of Anderson is named.
  The celebration also will include a presentation by the Marching 
Indians of their State Fair trophy to the school, and the football team 
will be recognized.
  Speakers are scheduled to include Mr. Carl Erskine, an Anderson High 
School graduate who has achieved national prominence as a former member 
of the Dodgers baseball team; Mr. Mike Pace, a descendant of Chief 
Anderson; and the Honorable Kevin Smith, Mayor of the City of Anderson.

  Also speaking is Mr. Johnny Wilson, an Anderson High School graduate 
and Harlem Globetrotter team member, and Mr. Ray Tolbert, a graduate of 
Madison Heights High School and former professional basketball player 
for the Los Angeles Lakers, NBA champions.
  To make this experience more meaningful to the students of Anderson 
High School, the yearbook staff and the school will present every 
student present on the day of the celebration a book written by Mr. 
Erskine. The book is entitled, Tales from the Dodger Dugout. In it, Mr. 
Erskine specifically mentions the City of Anderson, the Anderson High 
School Indians, and his personal humble beginnings. With this gift, the 
yearbook staff and school hope to encourage reading, teach today's 
students about their school's ``family tree,'' and offer hope and 
encouragement to students who might otherwise feel that success only 
can be obtained by the wealthy.
  Seeing Mr. Erskine in person and reading his book will enhance the 
education of today's Anderson High School students and build pride 
among the student body for an accomplished graduate. September 7th 
should be a day and a celebration that will be long remembered in 
school history, for it will be captured in living color for 
presentation in the 100th anniversary issue of the Indian yearbook.
  Madam Speaker, I again commend Anderson High School for its long 
history, its newly completed facilities and its distinguished yearbook, 
the Indian.

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