[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 31 (Thursday, March 19, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         TRIBUTE TO DON TURNER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 19, 1998

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work and 
dedication of Don Turner who will retire from his post as 
Superintendent of Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School at the end 
of the 1998 school year.
  Mr. Turner retires from Bradley-Bourbonnais Community after thirty-
five years of service to the High School. Mr. Turner grew up in 
Chrisman, Illinois where his dream in life was to become a basketball 
coach. After graduation from High School, Mr. Turner entered Eastern 
Illinois University to pursue that dream but left halfway through to 
serve in the Korean War. After serving his country, Mr. Turner returned 
home and finished his degree at Eastern Illinois University.
  Mr. Turner's dream of becoming a coach became true when he became the 
head basketball coach at Lafayette High School. After two years of 
coaching at Lafayette, he moved to Serena, Illinois to become the high 
school basketball coach. It was during this time that Mr. Turner 
decided to make a career change. He returned to college and obtained a 
master's degree in education administration from the University of 
Illinois. After receiving his master's degree, he became principal at 
Gilman Grade School and after one year he became principal at Gilman 
High School.
  In 1963, Mr. Turner was hired by Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High 
School. During his tenure at Bradley-Bourbonnais High School, Mr. 
Turner has been dean of boys, dean of students, and assistant 
superintendent. In 1982, Mr. Turner became the Superintendent at 
Bradley-Bourbonnais High School. Mr. Turner has seen Bradley-
Bourbonnais High School grow dramatically and has been instrumental in 
the additions of the pool, computers and the new auditorium. Mr. 
Turner's best memories of the school include all the people who have 
passed through its doors. In spite of numerous job offers, Mr. Turner 
has never considered leaving Bradley-Bourbonnais High School.
  Mr. Speaker, today I recognize this gentleman for his honorable 
career, uncommon loyalty, and education impact. I urge this body to 
identify and recognize others in their communities whose actions have 
so greatly benefited and strengthened America's schools.

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