[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 51 (Thursday, March 26, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E439]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FRESNO HIGH SCHOOL SENATE CLUB

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 26, 2015

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of the Fresno 
High School Senate Club. Fresno High School was founded in 1889 as the 
City of Fresno's first high school. The following year, the Fresno High 
School Senate was established on March 21, 1890.
  The Foundation of the Senate is modeled after the United States 
Senate, with each member representing a state in our Union. Admission 
to the Fresno High School Senate requires a majority vote of the body 
for academically qualified candidates who are sponsored by an active 
member of the club. Candidates are required to attend at least three 
club meetings and present a speech to complete the application process. 
Upon admission, a U.S. state is permanently assigned to the new 
senator, who is then invited to declare a political party preference. 
The Fresno High School Senate is primarily a debate club and has the 
distinction of being the oldest continuously active high school club in 
the United States.
  The Senate is governed by both a Constitution and bylaws and it 
follows parliamentary procedure set by Robert's Rules of Order. The 
organization instills knowledge of the law making process of our 
national government. Furthermore, the public speaking debate society 
addresses current issues of world, national, and community interest and 
concern.
  The Fresno High School Senate Club meets every week on the Fresno 
High School Campus and is guided by a faculty member known as the 
``President of the United States.'' Active Senators, in addition to 
being top academic achievers, also perform hundreds of hours of service 
to the greater Fresno community.
  Over many decades, the Senate has produced dozens of outstanding 
alumni known as, ``Honorary Senators,'' who achieved distinguished 
careers in law, medicine, business, education, government, 
architecture, technology, the military, and other notable occupational 
fields.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Fresno 
High School Senate on the significant milestone of its 125th 
Anniversary as I extend my best wishes for the organization's continued 
success in shaping the lives of young students, creating model citizens 
and nurturing the studies of United States history and government.

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