[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 18 (Wednesday, February 12, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO WILLA J. HAWKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 1997

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to rise before you 
today to pay tribute to an individual who exemplifies the very best in 
civic pride and responsibility, and who has shown how gifted a woman 
she is by her actions and spirit. On Saturday, February 15, 1997, a 
luncheon will be held to honor Willa Junior Hawkins for her 
distinguished service to the citizens of Flint, MI, in her roles as 
educator, administrator, activist, and community leader.
  Willa Hawkins, a resident of Flint, MI since the age of 6, graduated 
from Northern High School, and received degrees from Michigan State 
University and Eastern Michigan University in the field of education. 
She took those degrees and put them to use as a teacher in the Flint 
Public School system for 15 years, and as a principal for 17 years.
  In addition to helping cultivate our most precious natural resource, 
our Nation's children, Mrs. Hawkins developed an interest in politics, 
beginning in the 1960's with her participation in the civil rights 
march in Washington, DC. She continued her involvement by working on 
various campaigns, including serving as campaign manager for 12 years 
for County Commissioner Sylvester Broome. Upon Commissioner Broome's 
death in 1991, Ms. Hawkins made the transition from campaigner to 
candidate as she was appointed commissioner and was later elected to 
the position, holding it until December 21, 1996.
  Because of Ms. Hawkins' stellar reputation as a writer, planner, and 
organizer, she has served on numerous Genesee County boards including 
Community Mental Health, Community Action Agency, and Parks and 
Recreation Commission. She has also served with the Valley Area Agency 
on Aging, New Paths, Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, and Transition 
House board of directors.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with a tremendous amount of pride that I appear 
before you today to recognize my colleague, my constituent, and my 
friend, Willa J. Hawkins. In the time I have known her, she has been a 
person who cannot help but make a lasting impact on everyone she comes 
in contact with. I ask you, Mr. Speaker, and my fellow members of the 
105th Congress to join me in recognizing Mrs. Willa J. Hawkins.

                          ____________________