[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 8 (Thursday, February 3, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E68]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             A TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF MS. E. ZIPPORAH THOMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 3, 2000

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a wonderful lady, Ms. 
Zipporah Thompson, on the occasion of her receiving the Image Award, 
which is given to honor the contributions of community leaders. She is 
a fine individual and is a model for all of us in Saginaw, Michigan. I 
invite you, and our colleagues, to join me in honoring her today.
  Ms. Thompson was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi. She received her 
Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Mississippi Industrial College. 
Later, she went on to complete graduate work at Atlanta University and 
the University of Wisconsin.
  Originally, Ms. Thompson taught English and Drama in Brookhaven, 
Mississippi. She also taught Physical Education, and became one of the 
most well-known and well-liked basketball and track and field coaches 
in the state.
  We are fortunate that Ms. Thompson decided to move to Michigan, where 
she has taught for over twenty-three years in the Buena Vista School 
District. As many generations of young people can attest, Ms. Thompson 
is both inspirational as a teacher, and as a friend and mentor.
  Ms. Thompson has received many awards during her teaching career. She 
is a charter member and past President of Phi Delta Kappa, one of our 
nation's finest organizations that honor our teachers. She was awarded 
the Outstanding Educator Award and Teacher of the Year for Buena Vista 
School District. She has also received the Mary Bethune Award.
  In addition to her teaching career, Ms. Thompson has been very active 
in the community, for which we are all very grateful. She was 
instrumental in helping to organize the Xinos Youth Guidance Group and 
now serves as its advisor. For many years now, Ms. Thompson has 
coordinated the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service in 
Saginaw. She is a member of the National Association for the 
Advancement of Colored People and Friends of Claytor Branch Library. 
For her efforts, she has received the Professional Award from the 
National Association of Negro Professionals and Business Club.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you, and our colleagues, join me in honoring 
this unique individual. She has chosen a noble profession, and then 
became the best in her field, as her fortunate students attest. Her 
contributions to our community are truly extraordinary, and we thank 
her. I wish Ms. Thompson much success in the future, and congratulate 
her on the occasion of her receiving the Image Award.