[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 51 (Wednesday, April 2, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E485]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO HELLIER HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 2, 2008

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize some 
individuals in my district who are committed to maintaining ties to 
their community. In Pike County, the Hellier High School shut down a 
long time ago and many of its graduates scattered to all parts of the 
country. While it is true that many young people leave their hometowns, 
it is especially true in our region, dependent as it was on industries 
that rely on limited natural resources.
  So it takes a special effort to remember those from high school. As 
young people reach that turning point where childhood is left behind 
and the tough choices about what career to choose, how to start a 
family and where to live come all at once, it is all too easy to leave 
those memories behind as we become adults.
  The Hellier High School ``Hellcats'' have developed a strong alumni 
network to ensure that the past is more than something found in pages 
of an old year book. Rather, they make this part of Pike County 
stronger today by meeting every Memorial Day weekend and posting photos 
and comments on their alumni website.
  They meet every May 24 and a growing number of re-connected alumni 
rightfully consider this ``Hellier High School Day.'' This year, eight 
more alumni were inducted into their alumni hall of fame, going back to 
the 1930's. They are starting an annual award for their 1941 basketball 
captain, Victor Ratliff, who lost his life defending our country in 
World War II.
  We are working very hard to make our region of Kentucky one where 
people want to stay and raise their own families, and we are 
succeeding. We succeed because people remember the rich traditions and 
the values that guide the way during challenges that inevitably come 
later in life.
  I am proud of the Hellier High School graduates who make the effort 
to embrace their past. In doing so, they remind us of what really 
counts in life--the people you meet along the way, fellow students, 
coaches, teachers, who play a critical role in making us productive 
citizens later on.
  Every town needs people committed to making their communities better 
by actively participating in it. Communities are built by one high 
school, one church or one civic group at a time. They do not have to 
dry up and go away if we chose not to let them. We are fortunate to 
have that in Pike County, at the Hellier High School.
  The people connected to Hellier High School made it more than an old 
school building. It is a symbol for many who wish never to forget the 
place they came from.

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