[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 164 (Thursday, November 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF JOHN P. POWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. BOB RILEY

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 1999

  Mr. RILEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John P. Powell, who 
was honored on November 14, 1999, at the official dedication of the 
newly named J.P. Powell Middle School in Chambers County, Alabama.
  John P. Powell was born in Chambers County, Alabama, on September 13, 
1912. After graduating from Florida A&M University, he began his 
teaching career at Langdale School in 1949. On September 24, 1954, he 
became the principal of the Chambers County Training School (renamed 
Southside Elementary School during the 1970-71 school year) and 
remained its principal for 27 years until his retirement on May 28, 
1976. The Chambers County Board of Education by official action renamed 
the school, now a middle school for grades 6-8, in Professor Powell's 
honor on May 19, 1999.
  During his career and after his retirement, Mr. Powell was active in 
the Lafayette, Alabama, community. He served on the Chambers County 
Industrial Board and was active in the Chambers County Extension 
Service. His community involvement included the Red Cross, the United 
Givers Fund, Powell Chapel United Methodist Church, the Chambers County 
Retired Teachers organization and senior citizens' groups. Even now, at 
the age of 87, Professor Powell is president of the Birmingham 
Rehabilitation Center where he resides.
  In 1991, the Lafayette City Council proclaimed John Powell Day in 
Lafayette. In the resolution issued, Mr. Powell was commended for his 
community involvement and his leadership, particularly in the fields of 
education, industry and race relations. Now, once again, he is being 
recognized for what he has done to promote respect between races and 
the value of education for his students. Most important, however, he is 
recognized for his life-long commitment to public service.
  I join the residents of Chambers County in thanking John P. Powell 
and saluting him on this special day of recognition.

                          ____________________