[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 48 (Tuesday, April 16, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      DEDICATION OF THE GENE R. ALEXANDER LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER

                                 ______


                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 16, 1996

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Gene R. Alexander 
of Benton, IL. For over 30 years he was a devoted teacher and 
principal, and on April 25 he will be honored for his service when the 
library at Benton Elementary School is renamed the ``Gene R. Alexander 
Learning Resource Center.'' I would like to thank ``Mr. A,'' he is 
fondly referred to, for his relentless promotion of education and his 
efforts on behalf of the children of Franklin County.
  As an educator and administrator I understand the commitment and hard 
work it takes to make a profound impact on the lives of your students. 
This task is even harder today, for it seems all school employees are 
asked to make a case for the benefits of education; students crave 
entertainment and engagement as much as they desire fundamental 
knowledge. Mr. A. understood that if he gave enough of himself to the 
children, they would respond. Even in retirement, he still can be found 
reading to students, cleaning and painting area schools, spreading the 
word to say no to drugs, even contributing his own money to purchase 
school resources. Mr. A has been the difference for many kids between 
enjoying school and appreciating the value of education instead of just 
getting by. And, as so often is the case with community leaders, Mr. 
A's civic participation has not been confined to his chosen profession. 
He has taught Sunday School at the First Christian Church for 37 years 
and been an active member and past president of the Benton Kiwanis. His 
life is a testimonial to selflessness, and we the recipients of his 
kindness have been truly blessed.
  Mr. Speaker, all too often we fail to recognize the contributions 
that the teachers of our children make to their lives. On this very 
floor, we hear about how our education system is letting down our 
students and how overall standards have decreased. Thankfully, Gene R. 
Alexander has made sure this is not the case in Benton and the 
surrounding area. I would again like to thank Mr. A for his tireless 
efforts on behalf of the children of the 19th District. It is an honor 
to represent him in the U.S. Congress.

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