[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 120 (Sunday, August 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        TRIBUTE TO MELBA TEMPLE

                                 ______


                            HON. DON JOHNSON

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Sunday, August 21, 1994

  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, as students and teachers across 
this country prepare to return to school, I would like to take this 
opportunity to recognize one of the teachers in my district. Mrs. Melba 
Temple retired at the end of the last school year after teaching 
kindergarten and pre-school for 51 years in Hartwell, GA.
  In 1943, Mrs. Temple opened her Kiddie Kollege and Little Red 
Schoolhouse at the corner of Athens and Arthur Streets. Every year, she 
welcomed groups of bright shining faces, opening her arms and her heart 
to these children as they took their first steps away from home. For 51 
years, she gave them their first experience in education, preparing 
them to be readers, painters and mathematicians. For 51 years, she took 
children into her lap to read stories, praise their efforts, and soothe 
their scraped knees.
  Recently, a number of her students returned to the Kiddie Kollege to 
honor her on her retirement. Looking across the room full of adult 
faces who had their first taste of learning in her classroom, one was 
reminded again of this simple but powerful fact--one person can make a 
difference. Mr. Speaker, it is not an overstatement to call Mrs. Temple 
a hero. She is a true American hero for her work in creating good 
citizens for our country.

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