[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 16, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         TRIBUTE TO RETIRING MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL TOM HAYES

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                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 16, 1999

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that a 
distinguished career in teaching has come to an end. The Honorable Tom 
Hayes, Principal of Lexington Middle School, recently retired after 34 
years as a teacher, coach, counselor, and administrator.
  Mr. Hayes started teaching in the Lexington school system as a 
student teacher in the spring of 1965. He was offered a contract to 
teach full time in the fall of the same year. Mr. Hayes served as a 
teacher, coach, and counselor until 1986, when he left Lexington to 
take a position in the St. James School District. In 1993, Mr. Hayes 
found his way back to Lexington to serve as principal at the Middle 
School.
  Mr. Hayes educated Missouri's youth and enjoyed watching his students 
grow and mature into adults. He is also gratified when the young people 
he taught come back to him years later as adults to thank him. As a 
coach, he coached multiple championship teams, both in football and 
wrestling. Through hard work focusing on fundamentals, he helped 
average athletes develop into skilled players.
  Although Mr. Hayes has retired from the Lexington School District, he 
is still an active community member as the Mayor of Lexington, 
Missouri.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Hayes had an outstanding career in education, and he 
will surely be missed by everyone at Lexington Middle School. I wish 
him and his wife Sherry all the best in the days ahead. I am certain 
that the Members of the House will join me in paying tribute to this 
fine Missourian.

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