[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 66 (Thursday, April 20, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING DENVER'S SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL'S HISTORY

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                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 20, 2023

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an institution that 
has shaped countless lives in my community, Denver's South High School.
  First established before the turn of the century, this renowned 
institution has been educating students living in the south side of 
Denver for more than 130 years, including two generations of my family.
  South's traditions date back to the city's earliest days, and its 
storied history has recently earned it a coveted spot on the National 
Register of Historic Places.
  What started as a two-room schoolhouse now enrolls more than 1,700 
students a year, each and every one of them helping to shape the 
school's rich history and continuing to build upon its tremendous 
legacy of success.
  As a proud second-generation alumna of South High School, I can tell 
you that what makes it so special is not just the ornate brick and 
mortar building you see from the outside, or the gargoyle that stands 
watch over its entrance, it's the people.
  It's the faculty and staff who have dedicated their lives to giving 
every student who walks through the door an opportunity to be the very 
best version of themselves.
  It's the students who are driven not only to achieve their own 
success, but to help their classmates and peers succeed as well.
  Some of my fondest memories are from my time at South High School--
including as the captain of the debate team, where I found my passion 
for the law and developed a drive that led me down the path to serve my 
community as a member of this distinguished body.
  Alumni of South High School have gone on to achieve amazing success--
from Olympians to professional athletes, from actors to filmmakers, 
from world-renowned scientists to Nobel laureates. That type of 
remarkable success doesn't come by accident, or by chance. It's the 
product of tireless dedication by countless people who have made South 
High School what it is today.
  The friendships I formed at South remain strong to this day. And I 
frequently make new South alumni friends from all walks of life who are 
making a difference in our community.
  So, I want to congratulate everyone at Denver's South High School for 
their continued success and becoming one of the newest additions to the 
Nation's prestigious National Register of Historic Places. Go Ravens.

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