[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 44 (Thursday, March 29, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING VIRGINIA ``GINNY'' EUBANKS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HEATHER WILSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2001

  Mrs. WILSON. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I asked 
New Mexicans to send me nominations of women in New Mexico who have 
given special service to our community, but may have never received 
recognition for their good deeds.
  I received twenty-eight worthy nominations describing sacrifices and 
contributions these women have made for our community. I was 
particularly moved by the more than 100 nominations received for Mrs. 
Virginia ``Ginny'' Eubanks, Principal of Eisenhower Middle School in 
Albuquerque, New Mexico. The nominations came from current students, 
former students, teachers and parents all describing Mrs. Eubanks' 
caring, professional, and enthusiastic style of leadership.
  I would like to share with you quotes from the people who appreciate 
the job she has done at Eisenhower Middle School and love her for the 
contributions she has made to the thousands of lives she has touched.
  Teachers and parents say:

       I am thoroughly impressed with the dedication, 
     professionalism and enthusiasm of Mrs. Eubanks. She 
     consistently commends the students, stating that they 
     impressed and inspired her daily.

       I believe she is the driving force at Eisenhower which has 
     resulted in the school being rated exemplary status--one of 
     only two middle schools in New Mexico to receive this 
     ranking. She has high standards and has assembled an 
     excellent team.

       Mrs. Eubanks is a good example of what it takes to live an 
     honest and productive life. She has proven to be of great 
     benefit for our children. Her door was always open to 
     everyone.

       She is the reason I continue to teach. She created an 
     environment that had high expectations for students and 
     staff, while at the same time allowing all to experience the 
     joy of learning and the safety of belonging.

  In their nominations, students told me:

       I think Mrs. Eubanks is really cool. She is nice and 
     doesn't get me in trouble. She supports kids, she is very 
     involved in her school and does not sit around when something 
     happens, she acts on it.

       Mrs. Eubanks will always try things that will stand out. 
     Like if we sold a lot of magazine orders she would do 
     something crazy like have a pie thrown at her or she would 
     offer to be in the dunk tank. Just an all around great 
     person.

       She is very helpful in time of need. She would talk it 
     through and find away to make it better. If a student came to 
     her with an idea she would help make it work. She's always 
     been there for the students.

       Mrs. Eubanks is always there for people. She is open-minded 
     and never turned anyone away from their goals. I find that my 
     middle school experience has well prepared me for high 
     school, and Mrs. Eubanks as the head principal of the school 
     set the tone for that good experience.

       She always has something positive to say to the students 
     and has inspired me to do my best. Mrs. Eubanks has led us to 
     have better test scores. She turned the school into a better 
     place.

       Mrs. Eubanks is very sweet and considerate. I remember once 
     in 6th grade that she let me put my purse in her office. It 
     was at a dance and I couldn't fit it in my locker. So I was 
     just carrying it around when she said ``Would you like me to 
     put your purse in my office.'' She is so nice.

       Mrs. Eubanks has changed my life for the best. She has 
     taught me how to let people feel good about the best of their 
     abilities. She taught us how to care for each other.

        This school is nice and at times fun. She gives a zest to 
     the school. She helps keep the school in line and keeps it at 
     the top of its rank. She keeps us motivated.

  Ginny Eubanks has made a positive impact on the people she has 
taught--young and old alike. She is a role model for education and 
leadership. Mrs. Eubanks is on a leave of absence due to illness and as 
one student said, ``she is always there for students when we are in 
need, so it's now our turn to help her.''
  Virginia Eubanks is a woman of courage and vision, an exemplar of 
what an educator should be. She knows it takes the best education to 
give children the tools they need to build wings for their dreams. She 
inspires students, by her own example, to care for one another and be 
supportive, values that would benefit every classroom in America.
  Please join me in thanking a distinguished educator, Virginia 
Eubanks, for her faithful service to our children and the nation.

                          ____________________