[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 206 (Tuesday, November 30, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAN JOAQUIN MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 30, 2021

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the San Joaquin 
Memorial HighSchool on its 75th anniversary. On October 1, 2021, this 
phenomenal educational institution will have been serving the youth 
ofthe San Joaquin Valley for 75 years.
  San Joaquin Memorial was founded in 1945 by the late Most Reverend 
Philip G. Scher and was the first Diocesan Catholic High School with 
junior high students in the Monterey-Fresno Diocese. San Joaquin 
Memorial was named by individuals from the San Joaquin Valley who gave 
their lives in World War II.
  That same year of 1945, classes commenced after the construction was 
completed on the first three buildings, Shortly thereafter, the fourth 
and fifth buildings were constructed and ready to be filled with 
students. The first mass was held on October 3rd; the first rally was 
on November 9th and the first football game on November 19th. The first 
yearbook was released in May of 1946. The school has continuously 
expanded and more programs were added. Since then, the high school has 
become a premiere educational institution in the Valley.
  During the 1970s, Brother Phillip and Sister Ann Veronica became the 
first Vice-Principals of the high school. In 1981, Mary Alice Diener 
Library was built, and the science building was dedicated to the memory 
of Br. S. Albert FSC and Sr. Paola Harbeke CSC. Both individuals were 
the founding principals for San Joaquin Memorial.
  The school is home to state-of-the-art technology, strong community 
service involvement, and several programs outside of standard scholarly 
activity for their students to take advantage of. They won the 1991 
Valley Football Championship over Garces in the Super Holy Bowl and 
continuing into the 2000s, they dominated in athletics with many 
talented young student athletes and a talented coaching staff. Because 
of these advancements, many athletes enjoyed new equipment and 
renovations by generous individuals who had a passion for the school.
  Over the years, San Joaquin Memorial has emphasized their commitment 
to faith, service, and community within a rigorous college-preparatory 
learning environment that effectively prepares their students for their 
university education and the work force.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring my Alma 
Mater, San Joaquin Memorial High School on its 75th anniversary. Its 
service and contributions to the State of California and the San 
Joaquin Valley will always be celebrated.

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