[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12013]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF WHITMORE-BOLLES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2003

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize and pay tribute 
to Whitmore-Bolles Elementary School on the occasion of its 75th 
Anniversary. The school's long and successful history began in 1927 
when Laura Whitmore donated the land for the purpose of an elementary 
school. Currently, Whitmore-Bolles schools 367 students, preschoolers 
through fifth grade. In addition, Whitmore-Bolles schooling includes a 
central program for hearing impaired/hard of hearing elementary 
students. A reflection of Whitmore-Bolles outstanding faculty, students 
and education can be seen in the various third and fourth generation 
families that remain in this elementary program.
  Whitmore-Bolles Elementary has flourished because of its dedicated 
and exceptional staff. There are a number of highly qualified and 
enthusiastic teachers that have spent their entire careers at Whitmore-
Bolles. Every year several teachers from Whitmore-Bolles are nominated 
for the Alberta Muirhead Teacher of the Year Award. In addition to the 
admirable teaching staff, Whitmore-Bolles has also prospered because of 
its committed and highly regarded principals. Since Miss Marguerite Fay 
became the first principal in September 1927, Whitmore-Bolles has only 
had six principals, each of whom have maintained an excellent 
educational environment. These principals include: Jack Rabe (1949-
1967), Walfrid Toma (1967-1971), Roy Raymer (1971-1984), Bernard Boyle 
(1984-1989), John Tobin (1989-1999), and the current principal Dawn 
Eule.
  Over the years the hard work and commitment of the Whitmore-Bolles 
faculty has been apparent in the elementary school's accomplished 
students. Whitmore-Bolles continues to place first in citywide 
championships for track, volleyball (boys and girls), and chess. The 
fourth and fifth graders are involved in annual concerts given by the 
band and select choir programs. Also, the elementary students have 
received many art awards for excellence. In addition, the students this 
year at Whitmore-Bolles have expanded their educational environment by 
developing a school newspaper, the ``Whitmore Times.'' The publication 
includes articles and stories written and researched by students. 
Furthermore, this year four students and two former students were 
honored in Law Day Essay. Before graduating from Whitmore-Bolles, all 
students are rewarded for their efforts. This year the fourth graders 
at Whitmore-Bolles are traveling to Mackinaw Island, and the fifth 
graders are off to camp. Although the teachers play a significant role 
in the development of Whitmore students, this energetic and talented 
student body would not be possible without the active PTA and parent 
volunteers that plan the students' various functions throughout the 
year.
  Whitmore-Bolles is a well-respected school known for its achievements 
in education. This past fall Whitmore-Bolles elementary was awarded the 
Golden Apple Award by former Governor John Engler. Whitmore elementary 
was one of two in Dearborn to receive this recognition for success and 
achievement. In addition, this elementary school recently received 
accreditation through the North Central Association Commission on 
Accreditation. Whitmore-Bolles counts among its prestigious alumni 
Representative Gary Woronchak, former Lions quarterback Gary Danielson, 
and Channel Seven news anchor Erik Smith. With 75 years of exceptional 
students, an outstanding staff, supportive parents and prestigious 
alumni, Whitmore-Bolles has much to celebrate.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me and all of my colleagues in 
congratulating Whitmore-Bolles Elementary on its 75th Anniversary.

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