In Honor of Providence High School's 50th Anniversary CONGRESSMAN ADAM B. SCHIFF OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, March 08, 2005 Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Providence High School for 50 years of outstanding dedication to education and the community. Providence High School opened as an all girls Catholic High School in Burbank, California, in September 1955. Principal, Sister Maria Theresa, Sister Isabella, and Sister Esther administrated at the new school which then had its first class of 81 students. The first school building was completed on November 2,1955. The first class of students graduated in 1959. By 1960, the number of students swelled to 495. The staff continued to grow and formed a young, enthusiastic group who worked tirelessly to attain the highest standards, not only in the academic field, but also in athletics, music and other extracurricular activities. Identifying the need for values-based education for all young people, Providence began welcoming young men, as well as women, to the school in 1974. Sr. Lucille Dean became the school's principal in 1986. Providence continued in the next few years to build on the tradition of excellence. Providence High School has received recognition throughout its history for its academic achievement. It was designated a Blue Ribbon School in 1997 and received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in 1996. In 2001, the school opened the Fritz B. Burns Student Activity Center featuring a state-of-the-art gymnasium, weight room, exercise room, boys and girls locker rooms, and conference center. Providence has a proud history of carrying out its unique mission of education. The school continually strives for academic excellence and the total development of the individual. I ask all Members of Congress to join me today in congratulating Providence High School for 50 years of exemplary public service, and for its immense commitment to educating young people of all cultural and economic backgrounds for academic achievement, compassionate service, ethical standards, Christian leadership, global awareness, and life-long learning.