[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 69 (Thursday, May 22, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1016-E1017]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING RAY L. TURNER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM ROEMER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 1997

  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to rise today in 
appreciation of Mr. Ray L. Turner, a loyal and dedicated friend who has 
been named the Indiana School Social

[[Page E1017]]

Worker of the Year for 1997. It is truly an honor for me to recognize 
Ray, who has consistently demonstrated generosity and selfless 
dedication to the children of northern Indiana.
  As the school social worker at Harrison Elementary School in South 
Bend, IN, Ray has dedicated himself to promoting the academic and 
social advancement of students in a host of important areas including 
home visits, crisis prevention, and an innovative approach known as 
early intervention, which Ray designed and is now in the second year of 
implementing. The objective of this unique method is to apply 
prevention and early intervention strategies for elementary school 
children to reduce suspensions and promote parental involvement. For 
the current school year, Ray also assumed primary responsibility for 
the design and implementation for the Harrison School's ``Enrichment 
After School Program.''
  Ray received an undergraduate degree in philosophy from the 
University of Notre Dame in 1973. He also received a masters degree in 
elementary education from Indiana University in 1975 and a masters 
degree in social work from Western Michigan University in 1978. Ray has 
also completed all coursework and examinations for Western University's 
Education Leadership Doctoral Program.
  Ray's awards and achievements are numerous and illustrate an 
extensive and distinguished career in assisting children. In addition 
to being named Indiana's School Social Worker of the Year, Ray has also 
been named the local Social Worker of the Year for South Bend Schools 
and Teacher of the Year at Harrison Elementary School in 1996 and 1997. 
Additionally, Ray was awarded the Martin Luther King Community Service 
Award in January 1997, the Co-Social Worker of the Year for South Bend 
Schools in 1995 and 1996, and the UCAADA Community Service Award in 
August 1994.
  Mr. Speaker, I am especially proud to recognize Ray's achievement in 
establishing a regional site for the Indiana Chapter's Books for Kids 
Foundation in 1996. This innovative program focuses on early literacy 
as a critical part of the foundation from which a child learns and 
improves in mind and spirit, and becomes a contributing member of the 
family and the community. As a member of the House Committee on 
Education and the Workforce, my efforts to provide greater opportunity 
for young people are significantly bolstered by the contributions of 
selfless individuals like Ray Turner, whose ongoing contributions 
continue to provide an unrivaled source of inspiration and motivation 
for America's youth.
  Mr. Speaker, Ray Turner is a shining example of the importance of our 
Nation's outstanding teachers and social workers, whose tireless 
contributions provide an invaluable service to our community. I am 
confident that Ray will continue to play a constructive and important 
role in influencing the lives of children and all of those who come 
into contact with him.

                          ____________________