[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 149 (Thursday, October 30, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S11487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CELEBRATING FLORENCE G. HEDKE'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

 Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN. Mr. President, it is my pleasure and 
privilege to join the friends and family in celebrating the 100th 
birthday of a distinguished citizen of Riverdale, IL, Miss Florence G. 
Hedke, on November 11, 1997.
  Miss Hedke is a testament to Riverdale's heritage. She began teaching 
at the Bowen School in 1919, and later became the school's principal 
before retiring in 1964. Miss Hedke cherished her experiences at the 
Bowen School so much that she now lives in the building that was once 
home to the original Bowen School.
  As an educator, Miss Hedke inspired her students to dream, encouraged 
excellence and showed them the many avenues of opportunity made 
available through learning. She gave her students the foundation for 
their dreams. Her influence on the many students she touched has 
enriched their lives, and ours, in ways too numerous to calculate. She 
gave young people the confidence in themselves and hope for the future.
  The Village of Riverdale, the State of Illinois, and our nation are 
all better as a result of Florence Hedke's talent, love and commitment 
to education. She is truly one of Illinois' special treasures, and I am 
honored to join in the celebration of her 100th birthday.

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