Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-09

CELEBRATING BALLAST POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

TaxesEnvironmentDefenseEducation

Context

On 2026-02-09, Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL-14) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING BALLAST POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, defense.

Full Text

CELEBRATING BALLAST POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 27 (Monday, February 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 27 (Monday, February 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E114] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING BALLAST POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY ______ HON. KATHY CASTOR of florida in the house of representatives Monday, February 9, 2026 Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th Year Anniversary of Ballast Point Elementary School in Tampa, Florida. For 100 years, Ballast Point Elementary has educated students and provided the foundation of success in life. Ballast Point Elementary was originally housed in a small, three-room wooden building with each grade level of students seated in a single row. A new Ballast Point Elementary School was opened at the beginning of the 1925 to 1926 school year amidst the significant population growth and development of the 1920s. The talented educators, custodians, nutrition experts, counselors, the Parent Teacher Association and South Tampa neighbors have provided dependable support throughout the years in lifting the school and students every step of the way. Under the leadership of Mrs. Glenn Hinson, Ballast Point Elementary's first library opened in 1963 with a collection of approximately 12,000 books, providing roughly 11 books per student. As Principal Hinson noted, ``We have a good community interest and a strong PTA support.'' In addition to the PTA's donation of several hundred dollars worth of books, the school board also granted $1,500 to the library. This early development proved Ballast Point Elementary's unwavering commitment to its mission: fostering a learning environment where students feel valued, challenged, and inspired. Tampa is patriotic community, and Ballast Point Elementary has served many students from nearby MacDill Air Force Base military families through the years. It is a true point of pride. Ballast Point Elementary has a distinguished record of achievement, receiving both the Florida 5-Star School Award and the Golden School Award for the past 14 consecutive years, along with recognition as a Grade ``A'' Florida School for 16 consecutive years. Ballast Point Elementary's inclusive goal of a minimum of one year's growth for all students aligns with the Hillsborough County School's overarching vision of preparing students for life. Ballast Point Elementary embodies an educational institution that allows students to thrive and feel inspired. Mr. Speaker, I am incredibly proud to support the high-quality public schools and talented teachers in Tampa and Hillsborough County. On behalf of my neighbors who value high quality education and talented teachers, I celebrate Ballast Point Elementary on 100 years of educating thousands of young students in a community that loves the spirit of a Ballast Point Bulldogs. ____________________

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CELEBRATING BALLAST POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 27 (Monday, February 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 27 (Monday, February 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E114] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING BALLAST POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY ______ HON. KATHY CASTOR of florida in the house of representatives Monday, February 9, 2026 Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th Year Anniversary of Ballast Point Elementary School in Tampa, Florida. For 100 years, Ballast Point Elementary has educated students and provided the foundation of success in life. Ballast Point Elementary was originally housed in a small, three-room wooden building with each grade level of students seated in a single row. A new Ballast Point Elementary School was opened at the beginning of the 1925 to 1926 school year amidst the significant population growth and development of the 1920s. The talented educators, custodians, nutrition experts, counselors, the Parent Teacher Association and South Tampa neighbors have provided dependable support throughout the years in lifting the school and students every step of the way. Under the leadership of Mrs. Glenn Hinson, Ballast Point Elementary's first library opened in 1963 with a collection of approximately 12,000 books, providing roughly 11 books per student. As Principal Hinson noted, ``We have a good community interest and a strong PTA support.'' In addition to the PTA's donation of several hundred dollars worth of books, the school board also granted $1,500 to the library. This early development proved Ballast Point Elementary's unwavering commitment to its mission: fostering a learning environment where students feel valued, challenged, and inspired. Tampa is patriotic community, and Ballast Point Elementary has served many students from nearby MacDill Air Force Base military families through the years. It is a true point of pride. Ballast Point Elementary has a distinguished record of achievement, receiving both the Florida 5-Star School Award and the Golden School Award for the past 14 consecutive years, along with recognition as a Grade ``A'' Florida School for 16 consecutive years. Ballast Point Elementary's inclusive goal of a minimum of one year's growth for all students aligns with the Hillsborough County School's overarching vision of preparing students for life. Ballast Point Elementary embodies an educational institution that allows students to thrive and feel inspired. Mr. Speaker, I am incredibly proud to support the high-quality public schools and talented teachers in Tampa and Hillsborough County. On behalf of my neighbors who value high quality education and talented teachers, I celebrate Ballast Point Elementary on 100 years of educating thousands of young students in a community that loves the spirit of a Ballast Point Bulldogs. ____________________