[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 12, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E831-E832]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN RECOGNITION OF CORNELIUS JOHN GROVES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 2010

  Mr. CARDOZA. Madam Speaker, it is with the greatest respect and 
admiration that I rise today to honor Cornelius John ``C.J'' Groves. 
C.J. is not only an engaged member of our community in Merced County, 
California, but a respected and influential educator.
  C.J. Groves was born in Casper, Wyoming on May 26, 1920. His family 
moved in 1924 to Petaluma, California, where they settled. He attended 
local public schools and graduated in mid-year from Petaluma High 
School in 1938. After graduation, he enrolled at San Jose State, but 
was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1941 during his junior year. While in 
the service, he boxed as a light heavyweight and won all the 
tournaments that he entered. He retired undefeated. His ability to 
articulate made him an obvious candidate for Officers Candidate School 
where he graduated as a second lieutenant and was assigned to the 
Medical Administrative Corps. He was then sent to the Philippines for 
active duty. After the war ended, he was shipped to Japan until March 
1946. He was discharged as a first lieutenant and ended his military 
career as a captain in the reserve.
  After the service, C.J. continued his studies at San Jose State and 
graduated in June 1947 with a degree in English and a minor in history. 
He then attended Stanford University, where he completed the credential 
program. He began teaching at Merced High School in 1948. He continued 
his own education during his career and ultimately received a masters 
degree from Chapman University. In 1958, he helped open the new campus 
for Atwater High School as Vice Principal and Dean of Boys. He served 
in that capacity until 1974 when he was named Principal of Atwater High 
School. He continued to lead the school with distinction until 1981 
when he retired.
  His commitment to education has garnered the life-long respect and 
admiration of the

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countless students who were fortunate to have gone to both Atwater and 
Merced High Schools during his long tenure with the Merced Union High 
School District. His distinguished career in education has also been a 
source of inspiration and encouragement to all of those who have served 
with him as faculty and staff.
  C.J. currently resides in Merced, where he has enjoyed his retirement 
years. He was an active member of his duck club for many years, a 
member of the Elks, and is a 32nd degree Mason. Madam Speaker, it is my 
distinct honor and privilege to join my community in honoring Mr. C.J. 
Groves on his 90th birthday.

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