[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 93 (Friday, June 29, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO NORMA STEWART HAMILTON

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                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2001

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of 
America's great teachers, Mrs. Norma Stewart Hamilton of Dunn, North 
Carolina, in my congressional district, who is retiring from teaching 
on June 29th after 39 years of service to the children and communities 
of Harnett County. I want to take this opportunity to thank her for her 
hard work and service.
  Norma Hamilton teaches home economics. She is known for her 
disciplined teaching style, but she possesses an ability to make her 
classroom an enjoyable place to learn. Recently, several of her former 
students joined together to celebrate her life's work at the 39th 
annual Western Harnett High School Mother-Daughter Banquet. They 
recalled her classes, the exams she gave, and most importantly, her 
willingness to listen and give sage advice. One of Mrs. Hamilton's 
former students, Mrs. Rebecca Collins Hunter, herself a home economics 
teacher, remembered that Mrs. Hamilton never allowed teaching subject 
matter to supersede her goal of teaching the individual.
  It has been said that ``The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher 
explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. And the great teacher 
inspires.'' As the former Superintendent of my state's schools, I know 
the difference that an outstanding teacher can make in the lives of 
young people. Great teachers, like Norma Hamilton, not only teach 
academic lessons, they teach life lessons. They strengthen the moral 
fiber of their students and of the communities where they teach. They 
challenge their students to strive for excellence.
  In almost four decades, she touched and shaped the lives of over 
4,000 children. She inspired more than a generation of students to 
achieve their dreams and make their own unique impression upon the 
world.
  Mr. Speaker, when Norma Hamilton retires at the end of this week, she 
will take on a new role in the Harnett County community. Although he 
will no longer teach in a classroom, I know she will continue to 
contribute to the lives of those around her because great teachers 
never stop teaching. Today, I honor her for her dutiful service, and on 
behalf of a grateful state, I thank her for inspiring us with her great 
teaching.

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