Houghton Mifflin Co. News Release - 01/29/04

Houghton Mifflin Co-Sponsors United Way Courage Award

Boston-Area Family Recognized for Triumph over Adversity

BOSTON, Mass. - January 29, 2004 - Houghton Mifflin Company today continued their long-standing support of the Boston community by co-sponsoring the United Way Courage Award. The annual award, co-sponsored by The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company, recognizes an individual or family whose triumph over adversity most embodies the quality of courage. Business leaders, donors, union supporters, and human service agency workers recognized this year's recipient, Craig Smiley of Arlington, Mass., at this morning's United Way Annual Celebration.

Craig Smiley, a disabled veteran, and sole caretaker of his two children, lost his job of 22 years because of multiple health issues. After their apartment was condemned, the family was forced to move into public housing in an unsafe neighborhood. Craig borrowed money and enrolled his children in the United Way-funded Arlington Boys and Girls Club. The Club provided a safe environment for Craig's children to develop friendships, and helped the family find affordable housing within walking distance of the children's school.

"Craig is a courageous and selfless individual," said Dan Brosnan, executive director at the Arlington Boys and Girls Club. "He's appreciative, and despite a tedious schedule of medical treatments, has helped us by volunteering at the Club."

"The achievements of the Smiley family affirm United Way's research that positive relationships with caring adults are key to the success of young people," said Marian L. Heard, president and chief executive officer at United Way of Massachusetts Bay.

"Craig's actions truly exemplify courage and perseverance," said Collin Earnst, vice president, corporate communications for Houghton Mifflin. "We congratulate everyone who supports the United Way, and the many people whose hard work help build a better community and future for our children."

Visit the United Way of Massachusetts Bay website at www.uwmb.org. The Arlington Boys and Girls Club can be reached by calling 781-648-1617.

About Houghton Mifflin
Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Company is one of the leading educational publishers in the United States; publishing textbooks, instructional technology, assessments and other educational materials for elementary and secondary schools and colleges. The Company also publishes an extensive line of reference works and award-winning fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers, and offers computer-administered testing programs and services for the professional and certification markets. With its origins dating back to 1832, Houghton Mifflin combines its tradition of excellence with a commitment to innovation. The Company's website can be found at www.hmco.com.

CONTACT:
Nicole Evans
Public Relations Specialist
Houghton Mifflin
617-351-3817
Nicole_Evans@hmco.com