[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 145 (Monday, November 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2090]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       HONORING LENNARD ECKHARDT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 13, 2000

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to rise today to praise 
an outstanding educator in Colorado, Lennard Eckhardt. For over two 
decades Lennard has served the Re-2 School District in Rifle, Colorado 
as both an Assistant Superintendent and as Superintendent. Recently 
Lennard, along with his colleague Larry McBride, announced they are 
retiring at the end of the school year. This will bring an end to a 
remarkable leadership team that has benefited the school district in 
immeasurable ways. As Lennard makes plans for his retirement I would 
like to honor his service as an educator and administrator.
  Lennard was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming and attended school in Dix, 
Nebraska. After graduating from Dix High School, Lennard attended 
Colorado State College, now the University of Northern Colorado, in 
Greeley. After graduating with a degree in Physical Education and a 
minor in Social Studies, Lennard began his career in education. He 
first began teaching and coaching track in Fleming and Holyoke, 
Colorado before deciding to leave education and pursue private ventures 
in San Diego, California. His time in California was cut short by a 
phone call from an old friend with a job opportunity.
  In 1977 Lennard was offered the position as principal of Riverside 
School in New Castle, Colorado. After serving as principal for two 
years he applied and was hired on as Assistant Superintendent. While 
serving in this capacity Lennard's natural ability to lead soon made 
him the prime candidate for the position of Superintendent and in 1987 
he went on to become the head administrator of Re-2 School District.
  For over twenty years Lennard, with Larry at his side, has fought 
hard to ensure that the young people of Rifle and its surrounding areas 
are receiving the highest quality education available. Over his tenure 
as adminstrator he has overcome great adversities ranging from the oil 
shale boom and bust of the early eighties to approving the first 
charter school in the district. Lennard has served his community 
admirably and on behalf of the State of Colorado and the US Congress I 
would like to thank Lennard for his immense contributions to education 
and I wish him the very best in all of his future endeavors.

                          ____________________