[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 149 (Monday, October 19, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MRS. MILDRED BOND

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 19, 1998

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to proudly recognize Mrs. 
Mildred Bond on her nomination for the Teacher of Excellence Award in 
the Decatur Public Schools, District 61. As a former teacher, I 
understand the challenges and rewards associated with this most noble 
profession and I have the deepest admiration for Mildred's 
accomplishments. She is a strong proponent of education as demonstrated 
by her dedicated work within the school system, with the students, and 
among her community and church. Her efforts to ensure the future of our 
nation by educating our children are an inspiration and model for the 
entire country.
  Mildred Bond has been an educator for 35 years with a majority of 
them being at Roosevelt Middle School in Decatur. She served as the 
mathematics department chair at Roosevelt for ten years, and is active 
in district task forces. Mildred takes a genuine interest in her 
students both inside and outside the classroom. Through her work in 
Student Council, The Alternative II program for troubled youths, the 
School Store, and cheerleading she encourages her students to 
participate and to succeed. Mildred also reaches out to her community 
and is active in the Trinity CME Church as the director of Christian 
Education and Sunday school teacher. She also devotes countless hours 
as an advisor for Peer Counselors for Future Collegians.
  Mr. Speaker, we have spent a great deal of time in this Congress 
discussing the importance of education. I have worked toward the goals 
of reducing class size and modernizing aging school buildings, for at 
the heart of this effort is the premise that the education of our 
children is the most important investment we can make for our country. 
It is imperative that we recognize and celebrate our educators and 
constantly strive to improve the quality of education in this nation. 
Mildred has made education her life's work, which has earned her the 
respect of parents and colleagues and made her beloved by students. She 
has received other outstanding educator awards for her achievements and 
dedication to teaching, such as the Golden Apple Award from Springfield 
and the Talented Tenths Award as a role model for African American 
youth. Mildred Bond is a source of motivation and inspiration to those 
around her. I commend her commitment to education and young people. It 
has been an honor to represent her in the 105th Congress.

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