[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 57 (Tuesday, May 6, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E846-E847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO THOMAS DENEWITH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 1997

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Thomas 
Denewith, principal at L'Anse Creuse High School North. The Michigan 
Association of Secondary School Principals has recognized Mr. Denewith 
as Macomb County Principal of the Year.
  Mr. Denewith's career began as a teacher and coach in the 1960's. He 
taught high school at his alma mater, St. Mary's in Mt. Clemens. The 
many triumphs and obstacles of teaching taught him how to work with 
students, parents, and the community. In 1974, Mr. Denewith brought his 
knowledge and experience to L'Anse Creuse Public Schools.
  He began his tenure at L'Anse Creuse Schools as an assistant 
principal of L'Anse Creuse High School. In 1980, Mr. Denewith became 
principal of L'Anse Creuse High

[[Page E847]]

School North. His talents and vision have created a safe haven for 
learning. His drive to improve the high school through numerous 
programs has resulted in the school earning National Exemplary School 
status in 1994-96.
  The secret to Mr. Denewith's success is what he calls ``teacher 
empowerment'', a program designed to create a healthier, more open work 
environment. The idea behind the program is to give each person on 
staff an equal voice concerning the issues of the school. The teachers 
are given a positive role in how the school is run and communication is 
kept open.
  Mr. Denewith is also committed to creating an environment where 
diverse groups can work together and resolve conflict. He initiated a 
``communications training camp'' designed to help students deal with 
disputes. Each fall, 65 students from diverse backgrounds are sent to 
camp to learn nonviolent alternatives for settling a conflict. The 
program teaches students to accept different cultures and communicate 
with each other, a skill they can take back to their classmates and use 
throughout their life.
  Mr. Denewith understands that parents play a critical role in the 
education of our youth. He has established a parent organization which 
discusses the importance of building relationships between students, 
parents, and school staff. Knowing that learning does not start or stop 
in the schools, Mr. Denewith has been committed to strengthening the 
bond between home and school.
  I am pleased to honor Principal Denewith for the determination and 
respect that he has given to his students, staff, and community 
everyday. Over the years, Mr. Denewith's dedication to learning has not 
wavered. Many of us can learn from the lessons he teaches to our next 
generation of leaders.

                          ____________________