[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 53 (Thursday, March 24, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OPENING OF JEFFERSON HIGH 
                                 SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 24, 2022

  Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Jefferson High 
School in Daly City on the occasion of its 100th birthday. Home of the 
Jefferson Grizzlies, Jefferson High School has been educating children 
since its inception in 1922, staring with 50 students. Previously, all 
high school students in Daly City attended school in San Francisco.
  Courses offered in the original school were mathematics, science, 
English, Spanish, dramatics, commercial arithmetic, typing, 
bookkeeping, spelling, penmanship, PE for girls and boys, civics, 
vocational guidance, free hand drawing, and music. The original three 
teachers were Gilda Belloni, Gladys Lukes, and Barto Molineux. Mr. Neal 
O. Best was Chief Administrator but also taught mathematics, science 
and boys' athletics.
  From the start, it was evident that a permanent and larger school 
would be needed. A $180,000 bond measure was approved, but there was 
disagreement about the best site for the new building. Some wanted it 
located on Hillside Boulevard in Edgewood Terrace, while others wanted 
it near the greyhound racing track at Union Coursing Park between 
Mission and Railroad Avenue. The voters settled the matter in March 
1923. The building was built near the racetrack, and the first class of 
freshmen entered in 1925.
  On May 26, 1926, Jefferson High School graduated its first class from 
the new school site, 13 seniors. The following year, the University of 
California accredited Jefferson High School on July 26th, and a month 
later an alumni association was formed. A significant modernization of 
the high school occurred in 1963 and 2017. Legendary NFL Hall of Fame 
coach and award-winning broadcaster John Madden, a proud Jefferson High 
School alum, contributed lights for the school's stadium.
  From its founding to our present day, Jefferson has graduated a 
number of other distinguished alums. These students include Edwin 
Mulitalo. Super Bowl Champion, Floyd Gonella, former district 
superintendent and San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools, and 
Justice Teri L. Jackson, currently serving on the California Court of 
Appeal.
  Jefferson High School takes pride in its diverse student body, and 
its outstanding curriculum. The school meets every student where they 
are in their learning to ensure that all students are able to 
demonstrate mastery of essential skills and content upon graduation. AP 
classes are open to all students. The school offers a competitive 
robotics and engineering program and dual enrollment for career 
technical education is available under an agreement with Skyline 
College. Students graduate with both college and high school credits.
  In addition to its strong curriculum, Jefferson High School received 
the 2019 San Mateo County School Board Association Kent Award 
recognizing schools with innovative and replicable programs, and a 2019 
Daly City Sustainability Award. Its community and club involvement are 
substantial. The Grizzly Go Club, sponsored by the local public 
utility, made portable solar power ``suitcases'' that were then sent to 
Ecuador for use in schools that have no electricity. Jefferson High 
School partners with Second Harvest Food Bank to distribute food to 
over 1200 families, monthly. Thirty clubs, including but not limited to 
Social Justice and Activism, Anime and Mock Trial, offer students many 
opportunities to become involved further in their school and education. 
The 11th and 12th graders are partnered with 9th graders to ensure a 
smooth transition into the school. At the senior level, Jefferson 
partners with the Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC) to help first 
generation students navigate the college entrance process.
  Madam Speaker, America is at her best when it offers free public 
education to its children. Jefferson High School has long offered a 
high-quality education to all comers. The shaping of young minds 
through science, history, athletics and other wonderful courses offered 
at this school builds our country as much as the creation of any work 
of public engineering. America and Daly City succeed because we invest 
in students, invest in their success, and celebrate their coming of age 
as adults within our community. I thank Jefferson High School, and 
congratulate them on their birthday.