[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14100]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING THE ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF PARIS INDEPENDENT 
                                SCHOOLS

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                             HON. ANDY BARR

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 10, 2015

  Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the one hundred fiftieth 
anniversary of the Paris Independent Schools in Paris, Kentucky. On 
September 1, 1865, the Paris City Schools opened its doors in the old 
Bourbon Academy Building, which had been used as a hospital by the 
Union Army in the Civil War. The first superintendent was Professor 
Julius Herrick. Records indicate that in 1875 total enrollment was 225 
students.
  Over the last one hundred and fifty years, the school system has 
grown in numbers of students, added facilities, organized a Parent 
Teacher Organization, added libraries, and made numerous educational 
advancements. Many prominent educators have devoted their careers to 
educating the children of Paris, Kentucky. A few of the more well-
remembered names include Sarah Blanding, who later became dean at the 
University of Kentucky and Cornell University and President of Vassar 
College. Blanton Collier taught and coached football and basketball at 
Paris High School for sixteen years before serving in World War II, 
becoming head football coach at the University of Kentucky and the 
Cleveland Browns, and being named as All American coach. Harry 
Lancaster was an assistant coach at Paris High School before he became 
an assistant basketball coach at the University of Kentucky under Coach 
Adolph Rupp, head baseball coach, and athletic director. These are just 
three of the hundreds of outstanding teachers that have taught the 
students of Paris.
  Paris Independent Schools have been known over the years for high 
academic achievement, strong music programs, and great athletic teams. 
They provide well rounded educational opportunities for all students. A 
strong education is vital in opening doors to young people and 
providing them hope for a good life. For one hundred and fifty years, 
Paris Independent Schools have focused on excellence in education. I am 
honored to commemorate their 150th anniversary and wish them all the 
best in the future.

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