[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1006-E1007]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO FLETCHER AND SYBIL SULLARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 18, 1999

  Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and recognize 
Fletcher and Sybil Sullards on the occasion of the celebration of their 
50th wedding anniversary. Fletcher and Sybil are mother and father to 
Karen who they love dearly. The Sullards have actually parented many 
many children in their years as educators in the public schools in 
Arkansas. They are ``public servants'' in the true spirit of the words. 
I think of the Biblical meaning of servanthood when I look at the work 
of Fletcher and Sybil with the young people they served and the 
communities across this great state that they became involved.
  Fletcher and Sybil came to the community I live in, Gillett, in the 
late 1950's. They were there only a few short years before moving on to 
serve larger schools and eventually made their home in Searcy, 
Arkansas. Their time in my community has been an example of the lasting 
impact for good that teachers make on children and also in setting 
standards of excellence for the schools they serve.
  Of the many strengths of this unique couple I think first of their 
gift of laughter. As teachers, they dealt with a serious subject--
educating children--but it was fun for them. You knew they loved what 
they were doing because they were and always will be happy people. In 
my opinion their greatest strength is in their dedication to children 
as individuals. This makes them truly outstanding. As educators, they 
knew their students, they liked their students, thus they could 
challenge, encourage and even reprimand their students. If it takes a 
village to raise a child, the Sullards are the ingredient every village 
needs as does every child.

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  I wish continued happiness for this wonderful couple. My state, my 
community and my family are better for Fletcher and Sybil Sullards.

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