[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 25, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E954]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF ATHERTON COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

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                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 25, 2011

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, Atherton Community Schools will celebrate 
the 175th anniversary of the school district's start on May 29th in 
Burton, MI. An All School Class Reunion is planned to celebrate the 
occasion.
  The Atherton Settlement was founded by three brothers: Perus, Shubael 
and Adonijah. The settlement grew to 30 farming families and the 
Settlement school was founded in 1836. The first teacher was Adonijah's 
daughter, Betsey Atherton. She held the teacher's position in the 
single-room schoolhouse for 20 years. The Atherton Agricultural School, 
as it was known at the time, remained a 1 room schoolhouse for over 100 
years. In 1940, an 8-room schoolhouse was built to accommodate the 
growing community. In 1946, the Atherton School District combined with 
the Howe and Casper districts. Until 1954 classes were only offered 
through the eighth grade. If a student wanted to continue their 
education beyond that grade level, they had to transfer to Bendle, 
Flint Central or Davison High Schools. In 1954, Atherton Schools 
graduated its first high school class of about 18 students.
  Currently, the Atherton School District holds classes in the Vern Van 
Y Elementary School, Atherton Middle School and Atherton High School. 
Graduates have gone on to fill roles in the spectrum of society 
including doctors and judges.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
congratulating the alumni, educators, students, staff, parents and 
supporters for their commitment to education and community. I commend 
them for 175 years of continuous education, and I wish them the best in 
the coming years.

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