Melton Hancock: “On May 27, 1947, Central High School, Springfield, MO, graduated 563 students. On June 13 and 14, 1997, the class of…”

“On May 27, 1947, Central High School, Springfield, MO, graduated 563 students. On June 13 and 14, 1997, the class of 1947 will commemorate the 50th anniversary of this momentous and historical occasion. Rarely does a Member of the United States Congress have the opportunity to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of his own high school graduating class in the Congressional Record. Even I cannot do it because I will no longer be a Member of the U.S. Congress on the actual date next year. Many of our class only remain in our memories. This pleasant memory of a group of 563, most of whom went on to become outstanding citizens and contributors to society, is a tribute to the educational system existing 50 years ago. Mr. Speaker, I am going to take this opportunity for a few very brief remarks about the changes in our educational system in the past 50 years. This class of 1947 attended school when sleeping or chewing gum in class and running in the halls were heinous crimes. The class of 1947 had student hall monitors instead of armed police officers and entrance metal detectors. Discipline was demanded and I do not know of any of the 563 students even confronting the school administration with their attorney concerning their Rights. Attention deficiency syndrome was treated with a failing grade. Now we give the parents a check and treat the kids with psychological evaluation to find out why they do not like their parents or themselves. No, this was not a perfect time.…”