[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 178 (Friday, November 10, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING JOHN AND VIVIAN KING

                                 ______


                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 10, 1995

  Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to John and 
Vivian King, two people who have been helping their community and the 
children in northern Virginia for many years.
  John King did not start out to do anything special when he started 
walking his granddaughter to school. But one day her teacher asked him 
to help in class and he agreed. At that time he had no idea that he 
would end up creating and running the school's safety program, 
assisting the counselor with the drug awareness program, and recruiting 
grandparent volunteers.
  When Belvedere Elementary School in Falls Church, was undergoing 
extensive construction and remodeling, the need for a comprehensive 
safety program was evident. In addition, the safety of children going 
to and from school had been an increasing problem. Mr. King developed a 
safety program for kindergarten through sixth grade. He did not just go 
into the classrooms and talk, he created lesson plans which involved 
role playing and skits. He also used posters, charts, and 
questionnaires.
  The ``Just Say No'' program has been highly successful as well. Using 
carefully prepared lessons, poster contests, guest speakers, and field 
trips, Mr. King has impressed upon every student the importance of 
keeping away from drugs. His programs have been such a success that he 
has been asked to take them to other elementary schools in northern 
Virginia. In addition to his work at the schools, Mr. King is very 
active in his church, where he is involved in CCD classes, and in the 
church's elementary school, where he helps with sex education classes 
and drug awareness classes.
  During these many years of community involvement there has been one 
person who has been at John King's side is his wife of 50 years Vivian. 
Mrs. King has never been one to come into the spotlight, she prefers 
being behind the scenes. However, her acts of caring and kindness have 
never gone unnoticed. Mrs. King started making bookmarks for all of the 
children at Belvedere to encourage them to read. She was also ready 
with homemade cookies and cakes for special events. When Mr. King 
started the Red Ribbon program at Belvedere Elementary Mrs. King made 
sure that all of the ribbons had a pin fixed to them before being 
passed out to all of the children and teachers at school.
  In addition to honoring their many years of community service, I know 
my colleagues join me in wishing John and Vivian a happy anniversary 
because the Kings celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 
29, 1995. The Kings are the proud parents of six children: Gary, Greg, 
Pamela, Joseph and John (twins), and Michael, who passed away in 1984.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in honoring John and Vivian 
King for all of their contributions to the elementary schools and 
community in northern Virginia. It is this kind of civic involvement 
and volunteer spirit that makes northern Virginia a great place to 
live.

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