In 1787, Congress passed the Northwest Ordinance.
This ordinance set up a government for the Northwest
Territory. It allowed the region to be divided into
separate territories. Once a territory had a population
of 60,000 free Citizens', it could petition Congress
to become a state. The new state would then be "on
an equal footing with the original states in all
respects whatsoever."
This Ordinance was important because it set up
a way for new states to be admitted to the United
States. It guaranteed that all states would be treated
equally. Eventually, the Northwest Territory was
carved into five states: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois,
Michigan, and Wisconsin.
In the year 2003, Ohio will celebrate its 200th anniversary.
But Ohio's "history" is a lot longer than
200 years.
In 1900 Toledo's Population was 131,822 Lozier-Pope
Company introduces its steam-powered passenger car
named "The Toledo." The Toledo Public
Zoo began with a single animal, a lone woodchuck.
In 1940 Toledo's population stands at 282,349,
a net loss of 8,369 over the previous decade. The
War department orders begin to pour in to Toledo
industries. The Toledo Machine and Tool Company,
Champion Spark Plug, the Willys-Overland, and the
Hettrick Manufacturing Company all begin expanding
their facilities to meet the millions of dollars
worth of new orders. Toledo's educational facilities
mobilize as well. Toledo's Board of Education turned
over part of its six high schools to the training
of skilled machinists and mechanics for the defense
effort. This was not pure patriotism; it was also
that this would swing more defense contracts Toledo's
way.
In 1960 Toledo's population grows to 318,003 and
Toledo is designated as the Great Lakes first foreign
trade zone.
In the 1990 Census the population of Toledo was
approximately 332,943 and the approximate number
of families was 142,125.
One member of those Toledo Families is our Graduate
of the Month for May 2001. Please meet Ms. Latoya
Wells. Ms. Wells is a little camera shy and did
not provide us with a photo. She is, however, not
shy when it comes to seizing the reins of her future.
She chose to finish her high school requirements
and earn her diploma with Citizens' High School
for many reasons. The most obvious reason was the
"Group Paced Instruction" that all public
and private high schools must employ. Ms. Wells
stated "I wanted to spend more time studying
a subject and not be pressured in to finishing an
assignment before I understood it." Unfortunately,
group paced instruction must be taught to the middle
of the class. This leaves the slower students behind
and the faster students bored and unchallenged.
This was Latoya's biggest problem with the public
education. With Citizens' curriculum, Latoya was
able to progress at her own pace; a pace that guaranteed
she understood and not just finished a topic.
The success and confidence Latoya has acquired
by earning her diploma, has motivated her start
college. She is enrolled with Davis College in Toledo.
She plans to major in computer applications and
computer networking. Her long-range plans include
owning her nail salon. Ms. Wells has the aspiration
and we know she has the confidence and the ability
to achieve this goal.
Latoya may be one of 332,943 + people living in
Toledo today, but she is unique and special. She
has demonstrated resolve, independence, courage,
and desire. She won't be lead by the "group"
she will set the pace. For all of her accomplishments
and the goals of the future, we humbly acknowledge
Ms. Latoya Wells as Citizens' High School .......
Graduate of the Month for May 2001.
