[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 69 (Thursday, May 16, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E686]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING AND RECOGNIZING ST. MARY'S HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 2013

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of St. Mary's 
Bundschu Memorial High School, an historic and admirable educational 
institution that has been a proud part of my district for well over a 
century. At this time, I would like to join with my friends and 
neighbors to say goodbye and thank you to St. Mary's High School, 
recognizing all that the teachers, staff, and administration have done 
for generations of our community.
   Few institutions can claim the vibrant history that St. Mary's can. 
It can trace its roots back to 1853, when Father Bernard Donnelly 
founded the school on a small plot of land, donated by Susan A. 
Hamilton. On this land was a small one and a half story building, which 
Father Donnelly converted into a school. From humble beginnings came 
bold and bountiful blessings.
   At that time Independence, Missouri was the farthest point westward 
to which steamboats could travel on the Missouri River. It would be 
twelve more years before the city of Independence even opened its first 
public school, so St. Mary's served as the first public school for the 
frontier town. The children of merchants, explorers, and pioneers began 
their education together.
   As the town grew, so did St. Mary's. Throughout its history--even in 
1876 when part of the building was destroyed by a cyclone--St. Mary's 
has served the students of this community. In 1946, the cornerstone of 
the co-educational St. Mary's High School was laid, and by the very 
next year, a new building was completed and accredited. By 1968, the 
school opened its doors wide, expanding enrollment to neighboring 
communities, from greater Independence and Sugar Creek, to Northeastern 
Kansas City, Blue Springs, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Buckner, Smithville, 
and Liberty.
   Over the years, St. Mary's has dedicated itself to the education and 
development of young men and women, teaching them to realize their 
unique potential through an extensive curriculum, instructional 
excellence, global awareness, service and extra-curricular programs. 
Thousands of young adults spent their formative years learning and 
growing in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, and in the pews 
on North Main Street.
   It is with these facts in mind that Mayor of Independence Don B. 
Reimal dedicated May 14, 2013, to be St. Mary's High School Day, 
recognizing the positive impact this school has had on the lives of all 
of us, and urging all citizens to join in promoting the welfare of all 
children and youth.
   As this school year comes to a close, so too do the doors of St. 
Mary's. But what will go on in these days, months, and years to come, 
is the lasting legacy of education and experience, living on in the 
hearts and minds of St. Mary's alumni.
   Mr. Speaker, it is my wish that this Congress pay tribute to this 
valued part of our community.

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