[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 159 (Friday, October 13, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1944]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO DR. FRANCIS A. HIGGINS

                                 ______


                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 13, 1995

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
distinguished educator and a friend for many years, Dr. Francis A. 
Higgins, retired superintendent of the L'Anse Creuse Public Schools in 
Macomb County, MI.
  This Sunday, October 15, 1995, the people of L'Anse Creuse Public 
Schools will honor Dr. Higgins by proudly naming their newest facility 
the Francis A. Higgins Elementary School. Higgins elementary is now 
accommodating 700 kindergarten through fifth grade students.
  I have known Dr. Higgins for many years and he richly deserves the 
honor that will be bestowed upon him. For 15 years, Frank Higgins' 
leadership made L'Anse Creuse a model school district that has been 
emulated throughout the county and State. He championed educational 
methods and programs that benefited students of all ages while 
instilling a sense of pride and commitment from all who worked with 
him.
  In 1979, when Frank first assumed his role as superintendent, the 
school district faced severe financial difficulties and declining 
enrollment. Today, the L'Anse Creuse Public School District is an 
excellent school system where many parents choose to buy homes. And, it 
is in excellent financial shape.
  While Dr. Higgins deserves much credit for the district's successes, 
he is first to acknowledge the role of the staff and a community that 
supported millages during difficult economic times. However, when one 
becomes familiar with Dr. Higgins' administrative and educational 
talents, it is easy to see why he received such support. His success at 
educating students and inspiring a desire to learn is only surpassed by 
his success at fostering support for education.
  As the L'Anse Creuse Public Schools prepare to honor Dr. Higgins this 
weekend, I urge my colleagues to join with me and thank him for his 
many years of devoted service. I know he is proud to be immortalized by 
the community he so faithfully served for many years.

                          ____________________