[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 66 (Tuesday, May 24, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    TRIBUTE TO GERALDINE W. JOHNSON

                                 ______


                        HON. WILLIAM (BILL) CLAY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 24, 1994

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me 
in paying a special tribute to a distinguished lady, Mrs. Geraldine 
Watson Johnson, educator, administrator, community leader, loving 
mother and faithful wife, who retired on February 1, 1994.
  I would like to share with this body the following statement that was 
issued upon her retirement.

                       A Tradition of Leadership

       After an outstanding career of educational leadership and 
     community service, Mrs. Geraldine Watson Johnson has retired. 
     For forty-three years her influence has been evident in St. 
     Louis Public Schools through her accomplishments with 
     students, teachers, and administrators. Her career has been 
     as varied as it has been illustrious. As an elementary 
     classroom teacher she provided a total curriculum program for 
     her students. Subsequently she provided specialized 
     instruction to students as a reading clinician and remedial 
     reading teacher. Her diligence and willingness to accept 
     challenges led to her advancement through a series of 
     administration positions: principal, elementary curriculum 
     supervisor, elementary facilitator, director of Project PLAN, 
     deputy to the assistant superintendent of elementary 
     education, and executive director of elementary education. 
     Her broad experience base and high energy level enabled Mrs. 
     Johnson to effectively provide leadership for teachers and 
     administrators in the implementation of excellent educational 
     programs for elementary students throughout the district.
       Mrs. Johnson's contributions to professional institutions 
     and organizations are notable: i.e., guest lecturer and part-
     time faculty member at local colleges/university (Harris 
     Stowe State College, Meramec Community College, St. Louis 
     University); presenter of papers and workshops at 
     conventions, conferences, and various school districts 
     throughout the nation, member of state and national 
     educational committees and task forces (Missouri Urban 
     Education Manual Committee, United States Office of Education 
     Validation Team. Educational Braintrust, Education Committee 
     of American Cancer Society, Educational Adviser for the 
     Honorable William L. Clay, Representative in Congress, 
     Missouri First District, and Vice-President of the Board of 
     Directors for the William L. Clay Scholarship and Research 
     Fund); participation and leadership in professional 
     organizations (past president of Greater St. Louis 
     Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, past 
     president of Missouri ASCD, immediate past chair of 
     Nomination Committee ASCD, past vice-president of 
     Administrators Association of St. Louis Public Schools, 
     member of International Reading Association and St. Louis 
     City Council IRA).
       Community service has always been a major commitment for 
     Mrs. Johnson. This commitment is exemplified by her active 
     participation as a member of the Board of Directors of Annie 
     Malone Children's Home for more than eighteen years, past 
     national president of Tots and Teens, Inc., past 
     parlimentarian for the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta 
     Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and member of St. Philip's 
     Lutheran Church.
       Recognition of Mrs. Johnson's effective leadership is 
     reflected in the numerous honors she has been awarded, such 
     as the Harris Stowe State College Distinguished Alumna Award, 
     the ``Making A Difference'' Award from Annie Malone Children 
     and Family Service Center, the National Phi Delta Kappa, 
     Inc., Alpha Nu Chapter Eminent Educators Award for Excellence 
     in Education, and Top Ladies of Distinction Community Service 
     Award.
       Mrs. Johnson has given fully of her skills and talents 
     throughout her distinguished career. Her retirement will not 
     diminish her enthusiasm and commitment to educational 
     excellence and community service. It will, however, enable 
     her to focus more of her energy on those relationship she 
     cherishes most, i.e., spending quality time with husband, 
     Grover, nurturing and inspiring her daughters, Jana, Jennell, 
     Jacqueline, and adoring and indulging her four fabulous 
     grandchildren. In addition, she will continue the tradition 
     of service to the community which has been a dominant 
     characteristic of her life.
       We wish for Mrs. Johnson a retirement filled with good 
     health, extensive opportunities for travel to interesting 
     places, personal fulfillment, and serenity. It is with great 
     affection, appreciation, and respect for her many 
     achievements that we wish her Godspeed and much happiness.

                          ____________________