[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 76 (Thursday, June 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1143-E1144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REPORT FROM INDIANA--RON CLARK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID M. McINTOSH

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 5, 1997

  Mr. McINTOSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to give my Report from Indiana.

[[Page E1144]]

  In the Second Congressional District of Indiana there are so many 
good people.
  Good people doing good things.
  In my book, these special individuals are Hoosier Heroes.
  Hoosier Heroes because they have dedicated their lives to helping 
others.
  Mr. Speaker, Ron Clark of Anderson, IN, is a Hoosier Hero.
  For the past 31 years of his life, he has dedicated himself to the 
admirable profession of teaching.
  He taught honors English and drama with passion that inspires.
  This senior thespian enthusiastically directed lives on and off the 
stage, offering guidance to the young men and women of Highland High 
School
  He touched young lives in their formative years, building up their 
self-confidence and nurturing their love for theater. Ron left an 
indelible impression on all those who took his class.
  He took kids with special needs and nurtured them with an 
unconventional teaching style, engaging children at their own level.
  Principal Brown of Highland High School called him an ``exemplary 
teacher and excellent role model.''
  Mr. Brown told the tale of how Mr. Clark took a troubled child who 
was misguided and got him on the right path by involving him with 
acting.
  Ron inspired a number of students to pursue theater in college. But 
regardless of whether they pursued theater or not, each developed a 
special appreciation of the stage, giving them a taste of the magic 
that so many dream of.
  Former drama department chair and colleague Linda Trout remarked, 
``He always picked challenging plays and put on two a year, which is 
one more than people usually do. And he got students involved with 
everything from directing to making the props. He even wanted to get 
kids from the junior high school involved.
  Ron was always going out of his way to help the students, conducting 
numerous workshops for the local junior high school. In fact, he took 
students to New York every year for workshops and Broadway plays. This 
is the kind of man he was.
  He was given the ``Hoosier Teacher of the Year'' award by the Indiana 
Teachers of English in recognition for his excellence in teaching.
  At the farewell production, a play of Dickens' ``A Tale of Two 
Cities'' was performed to an audience of grateful students, parents, 
and alumni.
  Former students from across the country embarked on the pilgrimage 
back to their old high school, just to see their beloved mentor.
  They brought gifts and congratulations, thanking Ron for making such 
an impact on their lives. His wife, Sandra, compiled a book of letters 
written by appreciative faculty, staff, and students.
  This was the last play in the career of Ron Clark--the final act in a 
rich and memorable life of teaching children.
  On the final day at school, he said to Principal Brown, ``I'm retired 
but I'm not done. If you ever need me to come and help at school, just 
let me know.''
  And for that reason, Ron Clark of Anderson, IN, is a Hoosier Hero.
  Mr. Speaker, that is my Report from Indiana.

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