[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 137 (Wednesday, September 6, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1704-E1705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           TRIBUTE TO EUPHRATES ABBITT, OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR

                                 ______


                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 6, 1995
  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to join 
the family, friends, and coworkers of Euphrates Abbitt in recognizing 
her 33 dedicated, consecutive years of service to our community. Her 
retirement from Key Biscayne Elementary on June 23, 1995, was truly a 
loss for the Dade County Public Schools.
  Euphrates graduated from Middle Township High School in Cape May 
Court House, NJ, in 1957, She began her higher learning at Edward 
Waters College period in Jacksonville, FL, and received a BS degree 
from Florida A&M University. Euphrates continued her studies in the 
field of education as she graduated with honors from Indiana University 
with a master of science in Education. She continued her postgraduate 
work in education at the University of Miami and Florida International 
University.
  Euphrates Abbitt began her long career in education as a creative 
fourth grade teacher at Poinciana Park Elementary. She eventually 
taught all elementary grades. Through her hard work and willingness to 
learn new techniques, Euphrates soon became known among her peers for 
her dedication to teaching excellence.
  In 1969, when integration was introduced into the Dade County 
Schools, Euphrates Abbitt was among those teachers who made it happen. 
She felt close to the students she taught, and they had confidence in 
her. She expresses, ``If I can reach just one child, then my efforts 
are worth it.''
  Over the many years of Euphrates' career, she successfully carried 
out various assignments including serving as assistant principal and 
acting principal of Key Biscayne Elementary School. She has been the 
recipient of numerious awards, certificates, plaques, proclamations, 
and mementoes through the years from her community, colleagues, and 
students.

[[Page E 1705]]

  Mr. Speaker, this remarkable woman has dedicated her life to shaping 
and enriching the minds and hearts of our young people. I join with our 
entire community in recognizing her many years of hard work and 
dedication which has made such a huge impact on countless lives. 
Euphrates will celebrate her official retirement celebration on 
Saturday, September 30, 1995, in Miami. I know that my colleagues join 
me in honoring Euphrates Abbitt on this special day.


                          ____________________