[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MRS. VATICE WALKER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 4, 1997

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, today I would like my colleagues here in the 
House of Representatives to join me in honoring the accomplishments of 
an exceptional person, Mrs. Vatice Walker, on the occasion of her 
retirement.
  Mrs. Vatice Walker began her teaching career in Somerset County, MD 
in September 1959, serving the Maryland school system for 11 years.
  Mrs. Walker continued to teach in Maryland until June 1970, at which 
time she moved to New Jersey. In the ensuing years she was employed as 
a teacher in New Brunswick and, in recognition of her outstanding 
ability, received tenure after her first year. Mrs. Walker served the 
New Brunswick school system for 2 more years, continuing her trend of 
noteworthy teaching.
  Upon leaving New Brunswick, Mrs. Walker became employed by the East 
Orange School District, where she gave 24 years of dedicated service to 
the children of East Orange. Mrs. Walker has been involved in a wealth 
of activities pertaining to staff development and the training of 
future teachers. Her efforts include, but are certainly not limited to, 
the demonstration of teaching lessons, peer coaching, and facilitating 
workshops in classroom management and conflict mediation. In addition, 
Mrs. Walker has served as mentor for student teachers.
  Mrs. Walker has received many accolades during her career as result 
of her innovative teaching techniques. For 2 consecutive years she was 
voted Teacher of the Year by her colleagues.
  Her love and dedication to the East Orange school system has, 
undoubtedly, touched the lives of many children. Mrs. Walker is a 
distinguished professional. I know my colleagues join me in offering 
our appreciation to Mrs. Walker for her exemplary public service and 
offer her our best wishes in the coming years.

                          ____________________