[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7006]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              LIVINGSTON HIGH SCHOOL 100-YEAR CELEBRATION

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                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 24, 2008

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and 
congratulate the city of Livingston and the Livingston Independent 
School District, as they celebrate the 100-year anniversary of 
Livingston High School. Since graduating its first class of three 
students in 1908, Livingston High School has been a place devoted to 
the single purpose of educating young people.
  Since the city was established in the 1840s, education of youths has 
been of great public importance. In fact, the earliest recorded free 
school system in Livingston was established in 1849 and funded by the 
Trinity Masonic Lodge No. 14. Classes were held on the first floor of 
the Lodge building until the late 1880s. A school term during that time 
only lasted 3 months so as to enable the students to assist their 
families with farming activities.
  The first structure solely devoted to public education was built in 
1888 and was located on Jackson Avenue. The high school, which at that 
time allowed students to attend grades 9 and 10, was not initiated 
until 1906. Even though the size of that first graduating class was 
small in number, their accomplishments were far and reaching. The first 
female to graduate, Mrs. Myra Lewis (Green), became a schoolteacher and 
taught in Livingston and Raymondville. Mr. Brown L. Meece went on to 
attend Texas A&M University and later became Vice-President for both 
Global and Sinclair Oil Companies. After graduating from Livingston 
High School, Mr. Ralph Feagin attended the University of Texas and 
later served as Executive Vice President of Electric Bond and Share 
Company in New York City and later in his life he became a partner at 
the law firm of Baker, Botts, Andrew, and Wharton.
  Today, Livingston High School is home to approximately 1200 students 
that attend the ninth through the twelfth grade. Students at the school 
have the ability to enrich themselves academically, culturally, and 
athletically by participating in many different clubs and 
extracurricular activities.
  Livingston High School has worked hard to prepare its students for 
the rigors of a college education. Additionally, Livingston High School 
serves as an off-campus center for Angelina College which enables the 
students to earn college credits while still in high school.
  Looking back at the 100-year history of Livingston High School there 
is much to be proud of. Graduates of Livingston High School have 
excelled in all areas of life and made many positive contributions to 
our country. We can rejoice, however, because with great teachers and 
administrators there are many more positive years ahead for Livingston 
High School.
  Madam Speaker, our Nation's high schools are places that prepare the 
youth of our great country to led prosperous lives, and it is an honor 
to represent a high school that has such a distinguished record on 
doing just that in the U.S. House of Representatives. I urge you to 
join the in congratulating Livingston High School on 100 years of 
excellence in educating the youth of Polk County.

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