[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 22742]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                     TRIBUTE TO VASHON HIGH SCHOOL

 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to the 75th 
anniversary of Vashon High School. In the early quarter of the 20th 
century, the high school that most African-American students attended 
in St. Louis was overcrowded and quite a distance from their homes. 
Consequently, in 1922, a citizens group called the Central School 
Patron Association led by Reverend George Stevens and other community 
alliances began formulating plans for a second high school designated 
for African-American students. On September 6, 1927, Vashon High School 
opened and has been educating and changing the lives of students since. 
Over time, Vashon High School has established itself as a premier 
educational institute, known for its athletics as well as academics.
  There are several outstanding individuals who have contributed to the 
founding and success of Vashon High School. The school was named for a 
family with a long tradition of struggle and sacrifice dedicated to the 
importance of education while battling to secure civil and human rights 
for African-Americans. Specifically, the school was named for George B. 
Vashon, 1824-1878, the first African-American graduate of Oberlin 
College, OH in 1844, and his son John B. Vashon, 1859-1924, an 
outstanding educator in the city of St. Louis for 34 years, James W. 
Meyers served as the first principal of Vashon from 1927-1932 and Otto 
Bohanan, a member of the faculty, composed the school song, ``Vashon We 
Love''. Many students honed their talents, skills, and abilities to 
become future educators and community leaders from the positive 
influence and support of these and other influential faculty members.
  Over the past 75 years, Vashon High School has undergone changes and 
relocated to several different locations, but irrespective of physical 
location, the spirit of Vashon High School continues to inspire 
students to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals. 
Congratulations to the students, faculty, and alumni of Vashon High 
School.

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