[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 20608-20609]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF 100 YEARS OF CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN GRAND 
                            RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VERNON J. EHLERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2005

  Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 100th 
anniversary of the Catholic Secondary Schools (CSS) of Greater Grand 
Rapids, Michigan, which are located in the Third Congressional District 
of Michigan, which I proudly represent.

[[Page 20609]]

  The Catholic schools have a long and illustrious history in our area, 
serving thousands of children and their families for the past century. 
The Catholic Secondary Schools of Greater Grand Rapids are pioneering 
coeducational high schools whose conception, growth, and evolution were 
driven largely by the desire to offer students a quality, Catholic 
education. Catholic Central High School opened its doors in September 
1906, as Catholic Central for boys and Sacred Heart Academy for girls. 
Established by Bishop Joseph Richter, with the support of Father Robert 
W. Brown of St. James and Father John Schmitt of St. Andrew, the first 
graduating classes consisted of 7 boys and 20 girls. The decision to 
open a central Catholic high school, let alone a co-educational one, 
was unprecedented in the Nation at that time. Later growth led to the 
opening of West Catholic High School in 1962.
  This innovative diocesan co-educational school would survive both 
world wars, the Great Depression, fire, financial stress and clergy 
shortage. Along the way it inspired hundreds of other schools 
nationwide and grew into two schools with multiple facilities. The 2 
high schools have produced more than 27,000 graduates and thousands of 
community leaders.
  The 2005-06 school year marks the centennial anniversary of Catholic 
high school education in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Catholic Central and 
West Catholic's success represents the united effort of the bishop, 
parish clergy, teaching Sisters and parents. Together they were the 
foundation that helped realize the dream of having a Catholic high 
school education in Grand Rapids. This centennial is a true celebration 
and testament to the enduring resilience of Catholic high school 
education in Grand Rapids.
  Graduates of the CSS have entered into religious life; careers in 
medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, education and coaching, accounting, 
banking, engineering and retailing and many other walks of life, 
contributing in a positive, moral, generous and caring fashion to the 
communities in which their homes and businesses are located, 
particularly West Michigan.
  For nearly a century, the mission of the CSS of Greater Grand Rapids 
has been to empower students to define their vision and pursue their 
goals with confidence, competence and Christian generosity. In an 
environment deeply rooted in faith formation, student achievement and 
appreciation of God-given talents, Catholic Central and West Catholic 
students are challenged to become fully integrated persons who lead 
through service. CSS, in dynamic partnerships with families, alumni and 
the community, promote learning for everyone, encourage understanding 
and embracing of diversity, and establish a foundation for life-long 
learning.
  Please join me in honoring the 100th anniversary of the Catholic 
Secondary Schools of Greater Grand Rapids.

                          ____________________