[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 153 (Thursday, December 17, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    TRIBUTE TO PRINCIPAL WEAVER ODOM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 17, 1998

  Mr. GREEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues in Congress to 
join me in paying tribute to an outstanding individual, Mr. Weaver 
Odom. Mr. Odom recently will retire after serving the Aldine 
Intermediate School District for 35 years, 31 of which has principal of 
Colonial Hills Elementary.
  Weaver Odom joined Aldine ISD in 1963 and spent the first few years 
of his career as a fifth and sixth grade teacher. In 1968 he became 
temporary principal at Colonial Hills, but the temporary label was 
dropped. His 31 years of dedicated service will leave a legacy for 
students and teachers alike.
  We in the Aldine ISD has been very fortunate to have benefited from 
Mr. Odom's dedication and loyalty. He always led by example and 
frequently welcomed students to school. Because he always treated 
others with respect and dignity, the people who work for him and attend 
his school consider him their friend as well as their principal.
  Staff, faculty and students alike have spoken out in appreciation for 
Mr. Odom's work ethic and love for his students. His staff is so loyal 
that almost half of the school's employees have been there for more 
then 10 years. Many have admitted they stay simply because Principal 
Odom makes working at Colonial Hills fun.
  In honor of Weaver Odom, the Aldine ISD recently announced it's 
decision to rename Colonial Hills to Odom Elementary. This honor is an 
appropriate way to thank Principal Odom for his dedication and 
leadership at the school and throughout the community.
  Education is the key to our children's future and the key to our 
country's continued success. Principal Odom shares this belief and has 
worked with his faculty and staff to ensure that all students have an 
opportunity for quality education. The twenty-first century will bring 
new challenges for our young people. Principal Odom has been committed 
to educating them to deal with these challenges.
  For years, families have known this school is run by a man dedicated 
to providing an environment conducive to learning. I am certain that 
the strength of the community would not be what it is without Mr. 
Odom's years of service and I am confident that his legacy will 
continue for years to come.

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