[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 24, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E74-E75]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          A FOND FAREWELL TO AN EDUCATOR OF MORE THAN 40 YEARS

                                 ______


                           HON. JACK KINGSTON

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 24, 1996

  Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, in Richmond Hill, GA, there was not much 
room to stand in the multipurpose room of the Richmond Hill Primary 
School as hundreds gathered to honor the woman that has had the most 
impact on this growing coastal community just south of Savannah. 
Frances Meeks has taught 

[[Page E75]]
and served as a school administrator to thousands in this bustling 
community, and their admiration showed in the huge turnout and many 
gifts that were presented in her honor during a retirement ceremony 
this past November.
  At the ceremony honored guests, colleagues, and friends spoke about 
the many special memories they had of her. Appropriately, Meeks was 
presented with a portrait of Anne of Green Gables, whom a Canadian 
educator made famous in a series of novels. She was also presented with 
a U.S. flag flown at the Capitol and a letter of congratulations from 
U.S. Congressman Jack Kingston (R-GA). Among other items that she 
received were: A scrapbook with newspaper clippings, a State flag and a 
proclamation from the Georgia Legislature, and a special gift from the 
teachers and staff of Richmond Hill Primary School. Media specialist 
Bob Fennel presented Meeks with a plaque rededicating the library at 
the school in her name. Also a scholarship was announced by the Bryan 
Bank and Trust in her name that will benefit aspiring teachers.
  A 1953 graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in home 
economics, she began her teaching career in Richmond Hill as a home 
economics instructor in 1954. She was certified in elementary education 
at Georgia Southern College in 1956. By 1975, and several teaching 
positions later, Meeks received her masters in elementary education 
from nearby Armstrong State College in Savannah.
  Throughout her life, Meeks has taught at different grade levels at 
several schools. It was not until 1976 that she shifted gears and began 
serving at the administration level. Since that time, she served as 
assistant principal for 5 years and principal for 14. All of those who 
have worked with Meeks share an equal admiration for her innovative 
approach to working with children. She was always open to new ideas and 
had an open door policy with her colleagues.
  Among the groups that Meeks is, or was, a part of are: PAGE 
[Professional Association of Georgia Educators], Delta Kappa Gamma 
Society International, Epsilon Sigma Alpha International, PTSO, SACS 
Initial Accreditation Team and the Georgia Association of Elementary 
Schools. She has served as a Sunday school teacher, organized the 
Richmond Hill Garden Club, organized the annual Richmond Hill Fourth of 
July celebration and organized the Richmond Hill unit of the American 
Heart Association.
  It is difficult to sum up the impact that Meeks has had on this 
growing southeast Georgia community, but not too many people can claim 
such a gala event at their retirement ceremony. The many items 
presented to Meeks reflect the deep rooted feelings of those whom she 
has touched throughout her life. She will most definitely be missed in 
the education field of Georgia. She will now be able to spend some 
quality time with her grandchildren and enjoy the good life. Assuming 
the role as principal of the Richmond Hill Primary School will be 
Dahlia Davis. She will no doubt have some tough shoes to fill.

                          ____________________