[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 39 (Thursday, March 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO THE LATE ROBERT HAWTHORNE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 11, 1999

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to Mr. 
Robert J. Hawthorne who passed away on February 19, 1999. Mr. Hawthorne 
was a motivator, educator, and served as a positive role model for many 
of the youths in his community.
  Mr. Hawthorne received his early education at Jackson Lanier High 
School. Upon completion, he entered Tougaloo College, my alma mater, in 
Tougaloo, MS. Mr. Hawthorne's stay at Tougaloo was temporarily put on 
hold in order for him to serve his country in the United States Army. 
After being discharged from the service, he returned to Tougaloo 
College and received his degree.
  In the early 1960's, Mr. Hawthorne moved to the Delta where he 
embarked on a 36-year teaching and coaching career in the Hollandale 
School District in Hollandale, MS. The highlight of Mr. Hawthorne's 
career came when he was inducted into the Mississippi Association of 
Coaches Hall of Fame. Over the 36-year span, Mr. Hawthorne compiled a 
football record of 154-110-13 including several conference and district 
championships. In addition to coaching football, Mr. Hawthorne 
contributed to the boys and girls basketball teams and the boys and 
girls track teams. The fruits of Mr. Hawthorne's labor of love have 
resulted in his athletes going on to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, 
politicians and successful business persons.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Hawthorne was truly an asset to the Second 
Congressional District of Mississippi. He served as a pillar of 
strength and hope for young people in the Mississippi Delta. If there 
ever was an example for a role model, Mr. Hawthorne would certainly fit 
the bill. He will be surely missed by all.

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