[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 27 (Friday, February 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SEMINOLE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION 
                                 CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 17, 2012

  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th 
anniversary of the Seminole Vocational Education Center, SVEC, which I 
have the privilege to represent. This facility is truly an example of 
how one citizen's vision can be brought to life through the efforts of 
an entire community. Originally named the ``Ag Farm'' the facility 
first opened its doors in 1961. In the past 50 years, this facility has 
grown from one square acre of land managed by a few staff members and 
60 students, to one that now spans 42 acres and provides training to 
over 450 students.
  It all began with Seminole resident Bill Moore, who had a vision for 
an agricultural education center in Pinellas. After acquiring an acre 
of land he, the staff, and students cleared the land together and the 
facilities were built. Through partnerships with businesses in the 
community the center has grown to offer multiple courses in a wide 
variety of areas. Students can receive technical certificates in 
everything from carpentry to commercial art. The center even offers 
math, English, and science courses as a part of a program that targets 
at risk youth in order to prevent students from dropping out of school.
  The SVEC has been receiving recognition for decades. Their students 
have proven themselves as award winners at the state, regional, and 
national levels, not to mention the dozens of newspaper articles that 
track their growth and accomplishments throughout the years. The 
ambition of the staff and students at the SVEC has made it a facility 
that has not only lasted fifty years, but has gotten better each year.
  In closing, I am honored to represent the teachers, students, and 
community members who have taken part in the SVEC. Their dedication has 
made an invaluable impact on our community and its residents. I ask my 
colleagues to join with me today in recognizing this important 
milestone and to wish the center continued success in the years to 
come.

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