Bill Text: GA HR443 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: St. Pius X High School; history; recognize
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-0)
Status: (Passed) 2011-02-28 - House Read and Adopted [HR443 Detail]
Download: Georgia-2011-HR443-Introduced.html
11 LC
94 4287
House
Resolution 443
By:
Representatives Stephens of the
161st,
Gordon of the
162nd,
Williams of the
165th,
and Bryant of the
160th
A
RESOLUTION
Recognizing
the history of St. Pius X High School; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
Blessed Pius X High School opened in 1952, giving black youth the opportunity to
obtain a private high school education in Chatham County for the first time;
and
WHEREAS,
regarded as one of the most modern schools of its type in Chatham County at its
opening, Blessed Pius X was designed by Carl E. Helfrich, standing at the corner
of Anderson Street and Atlantic Avenue; and
WHEREAS,
the canonization of Pius X in 1954 led to the school's name changing to St. Pius
X High School; and
WHEREAS,
in 1955, a 9,000 square foot gymnasium/auditorium was dedicated, made possible
by the generosity of numerous parishioners who donated their time and talents as
bricklayers, carpenters, and other building trades; and
WHEREAS,
the second wing of the school was opened in 1962 and included a larger
cafeteria, additional classrooms, restrooms, and office space; and
WHEREAS,
St. Pius X High School has had numerous notable alumni, including Savannah's
first black mayor, Floyd Adams, and this nation's second black United States
Supreme Court Justice, Clarence Thomas; and
WHEREAS,
in 1969, the school was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools, but that same year, the Catholic Diocese of Savannah announced plans to
amalgamate St. Pius X with Savannah's other Catholic high schools, St. Vincent's
Academy and Benedictine Military School; and
WHEREAS,
since the school's closing in 1971, the building has been used by a variety of
social services, including PAX, Inc., the Economic Opportunity Authority, the
Chatham Association of Retarded Citizens, Model Cities, the Police Community
Relations Division of the Savannah Police Department, and Greenbriar Children's
Center; and
WHEREAS,
the rich history and tradition of St. Pius X High School is worthy of
recognition by this body.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of
this body recognize the amazing history of St. Pius X High School and commend
its numerous successful alumni for their contributions to their community and
this state.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the President
of the St. Pius X Alumni Association, Ormonde E. Lewis.
