[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 148 (Thursday, September 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1403-E1404]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2016

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Saint Paul, 
Minnesota's Central High School on its 150th anniversary. Dedicated 
faculty and staff of Central have been educating and inspiring 
generations of Minnesota's future leaders since it was founded in 1866 
as the first public high school in our state. As the largest public 
high school in Minnesota, Central is well-known not only for its rich 
history and traditions, but also for its commitment to academic 
excellence, diversity and inclusion.
  Saint Paul Central High School was established in response to 
student-driven demand for a high school in Minnesota, to allow students 
to continue their education beyond elementary school. Since then, this 
commitment to students has remained a core part of Central's mission 
and identity. The first graduating class of Saint Paul Central High 
School consisted of two students who each received a hand-printed 
sheepskin diploma in 1870. As the years went on, the school began to 
grow, moving to a new space in 1872 and again in 1883. In 1912, it 
moved to a new location, where it stands today, and adopted the 
Minuteman as its mascot in recognition of its address on Lexington 
Avenue.
  Throughout the years, many students who walked the halls of Central 
High School would go on to inspire, connect, and change our community 
and world. It has been the alma mater to the likes of Amelia Earhart, 
the first women to pilot a trans-Atlantic flight, Charles M. Schulz, 
the creator of the beloved Peanuts gang, and Jawed Karim, co-creator of 
YouTube.
  Today's Central High School students are no less impressive. Recent 
graduates have gone on to earn Rhodes Scholarships and win Olympic 
medals. Students come from racially and socioeconomically diverse 
backgrounds, and are supported by a dedicated community of teachers, 
parents, and friends. Their hard work, innovative thinking, and close 
community relationships lead to success, with the vast majority of 
students going on to attend college. By offering both International 
Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses in addition to a plethora 
of extracurricular activities, it is little wonder that Central has 
earned rankings on ``Best High School'' lists and Blue Ribbon awards 
from the U.S. Department of Education. As a result, it has become 
widely recognized as a model for quality public education.

[[Page E1404]]

  The story of Central High School is not limited to Saint Paul or to 
Minnesota. It embodies the spirit of our nation, one rich in historical 
tradition and a commitment to progress. It is the story of inspiring 
teachers and passionate students, blazing new trails and breaking down 
barriers. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise to honor 150 years of 
excellence in public education in Minnesota, and to the next 150 years 
of high quality education at Saint Paul Central High School.

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