[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1365-E1366]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                A TRIBUTE TO WESTRIDGE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 25, 2013

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Westridge School 
for Girls, of Pasadena, California, as it celebrates its Centennial 
Anniversary, with the theme, Our Chosen Path: Founding Values for a New 
Century.
   In 1913, in an era when women had not yet received the right to 
vote, Mrs. William Brackenridge and other parents persuaded Miss Mary 
Lowther Ranney, a noted architect and teacher, to open a school for 
girls in her home on the ``west ridge'' of town; thus, Westridge School 
for Girls opened with 21 students, with the motto: Surgere Tentamos, 
meaning, ``We Strive to Rise.'' In 1914 and 1915, the tradition of 
community and international service was established with Christmas 
dinners and gifts provided for local families in need and the adoption 
of war orphans in Europe. Miss Amie C. Rumney became co-principal in 
1917, and in 1918 the first Inlook appeared, a literary and fundraising 
project where charitable contributions were sent to organizations such 
as the Russian Relief and the China Famine Fund. In 1919, the school 
honored its first graduate, Harriette Jansen, as well as the 
establishment of the Athletic Association.
   The cornerstone for the main building, designed by Marston, Van 
Pelt, and Maybury, was laid on June 8, 1923 on the site of Miss 
Ranney's original house/school, and in October of that year, was ready 
for use when 135 students were welcomed to their new school. In 1924, 
the school strengthened its academic department and college preparatory 
curriculum, an ``On to College Club'' was created, Smith College 
admitted its first Westridge graduate, and in 1927, the Westridge 
Alumnae Association was formed. By 1930, enrollment in the school had 
grown to 185 students. In 1935, the Westridge Parents Association was 
formed, and in 1937, the school was purchased from Misses Ranney and 
Rumney and became a non-profit institution governed by a Board of 
Trustees. The 1940's and 1950's saw the beginning of summer school 
classes, the addition of other properties, and the building of new 
classrooms, tennis courts, and an endowment fund for scholarships. In 
the 1960's a program was formed to encourage minority enrollment, which 
now comprises half of the students. The 1970's and 1980's were a time 
of growth for the athletic program, and the 1990's were typified by the 
integration of computer technology into academic life, and physical 
expansion to accommodate new programs. In 2005, the Fran Norris Scoble 
Performing Arts Center, named after longtime Head of School Fran Scoble 
was opened, and in 2009, Elizabeth McGregor became the 11th Head of 
School.
   For 100 years, Westridge School for Girls' fundamental belief is 
that women have the right to be fully educated in an environment that 
engages the intellect, heart, body and soul, and that to be rewarding 
and useful, knowledge must be grounded in an ethic of caring and 
commitment. The school's founding values remain and continue to provide 
the guiding principles for the next century.
   I ask all Members join me in honoring Westridge School for Girls 
upon the celebration of its Centennial Anniversary.

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