[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 5417]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                  SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO CENTRALIA COLLEGE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Fossella). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Baird) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to an 
outstanding institution of higher education located in Washington's 
Third Congressional District.
  This month we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of 
Centralia College in Centralia, Washington. Throughout its proud 
history as the oldest continuously operating community college in the 
State of Washington, Centralia College has consistently demonstrated a 
deep commitment to learning. I am proud of Centralia's novel 
programming and flexible learning options. These features reveal that 
at Centralia, scholarship is indeed a priority.
  In addition to its 44 associate degree and 14 certificate programs, 
Centralia offers several invaluable courses of study for the Southwest 
Washington community. The continuing Education Department provides 
community classes and business training classes, helping people learn 
new skills at any age. The workforce training and worker retraining 
courses teach essential job skills. These skills help the unemployed 
find new work and they help those facing the possibility of layoffs 
enhance their existing skills. Centralia also offers farm study and 
ranch and record keeping study to help our agricultural leaders of 
today and tomorrow.
  One of Centralia's most innovative programs targets gifted high 
school students. Participation in their ``Running Start'' program 
allows 11th and 12th grade students to get the opportunity to take 
college level classes for both high school and college credit. Not only 
does this program provide challenges to students to achieve, but it 
allows them to do so free of charge. Through school district and State 
payment plans, Centralia ensures that all students get an equal chance 
to participate.
  In addition to providing financial support, Centralia offers other 
areas to expand access to higher education. Their comprehensive 
distance learning campaign offers students all of the benefits of 
attending college, even if they cannot physically attend. From 
correspondence courses to videotape lectures or telecourses, to on-line 
classes, to interactive video programs, Centralia will find a way to 
teach eager students, regardless of their location.
  For the 3,000 students enrolled, Centralia's serious educational 
commitment translates into results. Recently, for example, 9 of the 11 
Centralia graduates who interviewed at the Intel company earned 
positions on the staff. Recruiters of such technology firms regularly 
visit Centralia, saying they always look forward to seeing the high 
quality of candidates who come from that college. They go on to say 
that the students' capability is a reflection of both a high quality 
college and a high quality electronics department. As we move into the 
21st Century, the superiority of Centralia's technology education can 
only serve to benefit both students and employers.
  Another benefit to students emphasized by the Centralia 
administration, faculty, and staff is diversity. Recognizing the need 
for students to interact with people of different cultures and 
backgrounds, Centralia strives to incorporate diversity into its 
student body and programs wherever possible. The college knows that 
exposing its students to diverse ideas and people will enhance their 
educational experience. In today's increasingly close-knit and diverse 
world, bringing together people from different backgrounds is a 
necessity, not a luxury.
  Mr. Speaker, education is a necessity for all Americans. It prepares 
young people to face the challenge of the future, and makes the lives 
of older Americans more fulfilling. For the past 75 years, Centralia 
College has prepared its students to be the leaders of tomorrow, and, 
for that, we all owe Centralia College our gratitude and our 
congratulations.
  I urge my colleagues in the 106th Congress to join me today in paying 
special tribute to this outstanding college, and may its next 75 years 
of service be every bit as successful as the first.

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