[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 64 (Thursday, May 10, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         COMMENDING M. B. ``SONNY'' DONALDSON ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2001

  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a dedicated 
educator, a role model for countless students and a good friend. In 
June, after 14 years as superintendent of schools and 34 years as an 
educator in the Aldine Independent School District, M.B. ``Sonny'' 
Donaldson will retire.
  Sonny Donaldson has spent his career working tirelessly on behalf of 
all children. He has always promoted what was best for school children, 
never forgetting that their best interest was his driving force.
  Superintendent Donaldson has held the position of Superintendent of 
Schools since 1986. Prior to his service as superintendent, he held the 
positions of teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, athletic 
director, and assistant superintendent, all with Aldine ISD. He is an 
active member in numerous professional associations and organizations 
and a committed civic leader dedicated to public service.
  Among his numerous honors and awards, Sonny was selected 
Superintendent of the Year in 1994 and 1996 for Region IV, which 
includes 57 school districts in the Houston area. He was also one of 
five finalists for Texas Superintendent of the Year in 1994 and 1996.
  The Success of the Aldine ISD does not happen by accident. Sonny 
Donaldson has created and fostered an environment that demands quality 
and dedication from both teachers and students.
  When Texas A&M University evaluated the test scores of minorities in 
districts with more than 15,000 students, Aldine ranked first in the 
state. In addition, researchers at the University of Texas said that 
Aldine is one of a handful of districts showing impressive successes 
with students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  Because of the emphasis placed on education by the administrators, 
the teachers, the students and the parents, Aldine ISD has received a 
``recognized'' rating from the Texas Education Agency for the last four 
years. Of the district's 48 schools rated by the state, four are 
exemplary, 28 recognized and 16 acceptable.
  American historian and writer Henry Adams once stated that ``a 
teacher affects eternity; he can never tell when his influence stops.'' 
For Sonny Donaldson, the lives he has touched over his many years in 
the education field will ensure that his influence carries on far into 
the future.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the career of one of 
Texas' education heroes. Sonny, we wish you and your wife Suzanne well.

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