[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 152 (Tuesday, October 20, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S10569]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING JEANNETTE GRUBB

 Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I was deeply saddened to learn that 
my dear friend and mentor for the past 63 years, Jeannette Grubb, 
passed away on Friday, October 9, 2009, at the age of 106 years old.
  I last saw Jean on September 12, 2009, at the rededication ceremony 
at Shortridge High School, and I, as well as many others, enjoyed a 
wonderful visit with her. As always, Jean, herself a 1920 Shortridge 
High School graduate, was ever enthusiastic about Shortridge and 
recalled memories of her time as a Shortridge student, teacher and 
advisor. She was a special person, a woman of faith, whose concern for 
others was apparent.
  Jean was well-educated and prepared for the important 
responsibilities of teaching. As a graduate of Indiana University, she 
earned her bachelor of arts, and later her master's in journalism from 
the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. I am 
grateful that in 1944, Jean was asked to give up teaching mathematics 
to become the director of publications for Shortridge, a post she held 
until her retirement in 1970. Jean inspired us to be better students, 
and focused on creative and excellent writing skills.
  Jean is one of the most memorable teachers in my life. When I was a 
Thursday columnist for the Shortridge High School Daily Echo, she 
served as the faculty adviser of the publication that she also served 
on as a Shortridge student.
  As a high school student, the opportunity to publish a column, and to 
know that at least a few of my classmates read what I had written, 
provided an unparalleled privilege. On one occasion, an unflattering 
column which I authored about the unhealthy habits of the basketball 
team was read by the Indianapolis School Board--whose members only 
received copies of the Thursday edition of the school paper. This 
incident caused a temporary shutdown of the Echo's headquarters and a 
sudden trip for me to the principal's office to hear the consequences 
that unbridled journalism could have on the school, Jean, and me.
  During this traumatic experience, Jean was my heroine, and the 
freedom of the press prevailed.
  Furthermore, Jean has always been an active member of the Shortridge 
High School alumni community. As publications adviser, she organized 
the 50th anniversary celebration of the Echo. She also has worked to 
gather names and contact information for the Shortridge High School 
Alumni Association so that each of us can stay closely in touch with 
our friends and classmates. Following her retirement, Jean worked with 
the Indiana Historical Society to compile a complete history of our 
alma mater.
  In 2005, Jean deservedly received the Lifetime Achievement Award from 
the Indiana High School Press Association for her tireless commitment 
to journalistic excellence among young people, and her unwavering 
support of the alumni and history of Shortridge High School. On this 
occasion, I included remarks about Jean in the Congressional Record to 
honor her achievement.
  Throughout my pubic service, I have enjoyed frequent communications 
with Jean. She was always optimistic and supportive.
  She was loved and appreciated. Her friendship and compassion will be 
greatly missed by her many students and friends whose lives she 
influenced through her exemplary dedication to teaching.

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