[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 45 (Thursday, March 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E477-E478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMEMORATING RAY LANE'S 50 YEARS OF KIWANIS SERVICE

                                 ______


                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illionis

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 27, 1996

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, as we know, Kiwanis International has stood 
for outstanding community service with an emphasis on young children 
for decades. I rise today to honor Mr. Ray Lane, a member and leader of 
Kiwanis clubs in Toledo, Effingham, and Mattoon, IL for the past 50 
years. Since joining Kiwanis in 1946, Ray has worked at it with the 
same energy and enthusiasm with which he has approached his entire 
life. I salute him today for his commitment to his fellow citizens.
  It comes as no surprise that the leaders of clubs such as Kiwanis are 
also leaders in their jobs and other activities. This describes Ray 
Lane. He has always answered the call to duty, and would rather blaze a 
trail instead of waiting for a path to be carved. Ray received his 
bachelor's degree and special degree in education from Eastern Illinois 
University, and it was in the field of education that Ray made his 
greatest professional mark. Starting out as a teacher and coach while 
also serving his country for 11 months in the Philippines, he moved on 
to superintendent of the Toledo school district, despite his protests 
that he

[[Page E478]]

wasn't qualified, when the school board told him, ``But you're the only 
one we can find.'' Undaunted, Ray went on to excel, assuming his role 
in the newly formed Greenup and Toledo county school district, and 
later as superintendent of Effingham Unit No. 40 schools and the 
Mattoon schools. Ray was not only a gifted administrator, but an 
innovator in curriculum as well, developing new kindergarten and 
English rhetoric programs that were adopted by the State board of 
education. His first love has always been music, and he was 
instrumental in adding staff in this area and other programs that 
traditionally received less attention, like special education. 
Professional affiliations included the National Education Association, 
the American Association of School Administrators, the National 
Association of School Business Officials, the Illinois Education 
Association, the Illinois Association of School Administrators, and Phi 
Delta Kappa.
  All the while, Ray has been active in other community endeavors, 
including the United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge, the Elks 
Club, American Legion, and the chamber of commerce. What makes his 
Kiwanis participation perhaps extra special is that it has paralleled 
all his other achievements and this tribute just scratches the surface 
of his voluminous contributions to central and eastern Illinois. He has 
served as president of all three of his Kiwanis clubs, and his service 
will not be forgotten. He and wife Pauline have accomplished a great 
deal while also raising two sons. Mr. Speaker, my respect for Ray Lane 
is momentous. He is an example of all that we can accomplish if we take 
on life eagerly and acceptingly. It is an honor to represent Ray in the 
U.S. Congress. I wish him health and happiness in the future, and 
thanks for his efforts.

                          ____________________