[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 13 (Wednesday, February 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E164]]



                      TRIBUTE TO DAVID A. LATHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 1997

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize David A. Lathers, a 
dedicated teacher, principal, and community activist on the occasion of 
his retirement after 45 years of service to the Utica community 
schools. Since the fall of 1973, and the opening of Henry Ford II High 
School in Sterling Heights, David Lathers has served as principal.
  During his 24 year stewardship of Henry Ford II High School, David 
Lathers has been an advocate of strong professional standards and high 
student expectations. His efforts and encouragement have resulted in a 
number of academic success stories and innovative pilot programs at 
Ford II. The Far Eastern Institute, a Japanese language, history, and 
culture course was developed, piloted and resulted in a sister school 
program with Japan. The first commercial food program and commercial 
art programs in the district were developed at Ford II. In 1985, Henry 
Ford II High School was awarded the State Exemplary School Award, the 
first school in Macomb County to receive this award. And more recently, 
in 1996, the Ford II marching band was selected to perform in the Rose 
Bowl Parade.
  His commitment to the community has been equally impressive. David 
Lathers was instrumental in organizing a Kiwanis Club in Sterling 
Heights, establishing KEY Clubs at Ford II and Eisenhower High Schools 
and serving as a board member and vice-president of the West Macomb 
Y.M.C.A.
  In 1993, colleagues from the Michigan Association of Secondary School 
Principals recognized David's tremendous contributions by naming him 
the outstanding principal of the year.
  And so, Mr. Speaker, while we reflect on the passing of an era for 
Henry Ford II High, we commend David Lathers for his lifetime 
commitment to the community, school district, and thousands of students 
upon whose lives he has made an impact. I extend my sincerest wishes 
for a healthful, rewarding, and productive retirement.

                          ____________________