[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 130 (Thursday, September 19, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1662]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO VIRGINIA ANDERSON BOONE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 19, 1996

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Virginia 
Anderson Boone of Miami, FL, and to share in the festivities of a 
special event held in her honor.
  As the founding principal of Highland Oaks Elementary School in North 
Miami Beach, FL, Virginia Boone tirelessly devoted 31 years of her 
career to the thousands of children who studied under her tutelage.
  During Mrs. Boone's tenure, Highland Oaks Elementary became one of 
the finest schools in all of Dade County, the fourth largest county in 
these United States. Year after year, Highland Oaks ranked among the 
top schools for the best test scores which are compared to other 
schools across the Nation. Thanks to the strength and commitment of a 
woman who expected nothing less than the very best from her faculty and 
her students, Highland Oaks set standards which are still beyond the 
grasp of most other schools.
  Although childless, Virginia Boone became a parent to her faculty, 
staff, and students. She treated those who worked for her, as well as 
those who studied in her school, as though they were her own children, 
caring for their health, attending their weddings and the myriad of bar 
and bat mitzvahs. Many of her former students, now adults, would often 
stop by for a visit. She even hired a teacher who had been a student in 
her first graduating class.
  For decades it became near-impossible to find an opening on the 
Highland Oaks' faculty. Those who were the lucky ones because the envy 
of many who wanted to share in the good fortune of working for a woman 
who would become a mentor and a friend, sharing in the success of 
watching thousands of children benefit from their years at Highland 
Oaks Elementary.
  It is a true gift for one to watch a child excel in life and know 
that they have played an important part. I am told that is what 
Virginia Boone lived for.
  After her passing earlier this year, the faculty, the PTA, the 
northeast Dade community and the Dade County School Board unanimously 
voted to rename the school to honor the woman who touched so many 
lives. I am delighted to have the privilege of representing this 
involved, outstanding community on this very special occasion.
  On September 25, 1996, Highland Oaks Elementary will be officially 
renamed, ``Virginia A. Boone Highland Oaks Elementary.'' 
Congratulations and best wishes for continued success.
  I ask unanimous consent that these remarks be included in the Record.
  
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