[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 63 (Wednesday, May 14, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S4498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DR. ALLAN E. STRAND

 Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I rise to honor Dr. Allan 
Strand, who is retiring after 18 years of distinguished service as 
headmaster of Newark Academy in New Jersey.
  During his tenure, Dr. Strand's scholarship and leadership set a 
magnificent example for his students, including two of my own children. 
Although all four of my children received an outstanding education at 
Newark Academy, my two youngest had the added good fortune of attending 
while Dr. Strand was headmaster. He was an educator, mentor, and 
friend.
  Mr. President, I know that my children benefited from Dr. Strand's 
vision, integrity, energy, and academic excellence. But more than that, 
the entire Newark Academy community benefited from his presence. His 
list of accomplishments while headmaster is impressive.
  During his tenure, the academy's educational mission was affirmed. 
The traditional college preparatory course was continued, but the 
program was enhanced by bold developments in computer science and the 
arts. Dr. Strand also worked to revitalize the board of trustees and to 
strengthen an already superb faculty. Committed to the principles of 
respect and integrity, he introduced the Honor Code and Honor Council. 
Even the physical plant was not neglected; it was so expanded that only 
the front foyer remains unchanged. The McGraw Arts Center was added to 
accommodate the burgeoning arts program, and the Morris Interactive 
Learning Center brought the latest in technology to the school's 
instructional program.
  But through all the changes, one thing remained unchanged, Dr. 
Strand's commitment to his students and their education. It has been 
said that the only lasting legacy that any of us can have is to make a 
difference in the life of a child. If that is true, than Dr. Strand's 
legacy is definitely assured.
  Mr. President, when Thomas Jefferson presented his credentials as 
United States minister to France, the French premier remarked, ``I see 
that you have come to replace Benjamin Franklin.'' Jefferson corrected 
him. ``No one can replace Dr. Franklin. I am only succeeding him.'' In 
much the same way, Allan Strand is also irreplaceable. Others may fill 
his position at Newark Academy, but no one will ever be able to fill 
his shoes.

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