[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 95 (Tuesday, July 10, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1292]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1292]]
      TRIBUTE TO MRS. OLLYE BALLARD CONLEY OF HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA

                                 ______
                                 

                   HON. ROBERT E. ``BUD'' CRAMER, JR.

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 10, 2001

  Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Ollye Ballard 
Conley on her June 30th retirement after more than 35 years of 
dedicated service to the Huntsville City school system. Mrs. Conley has 
made the students of the Huntsville community shine through her 
creation of a top-notch magnet school, the Academy for Science and 
Foreign Language.
  Her career in education is extensive and very impressive. Beginning 
as a teacher in Limestone County, Mrs. Conley has spent time teaching 
in Germany with the Department of Defense as well. After returning to 
Huntsville, her career took off and she soon rose through the ranks to 
become an administrator and then principal. She has led the schools of 
University Place, Rolling Hills and most recently the Academy for 
Science and Foreign Language to be more efficient, better organized 
schools. She believes in mission and her mission has been to provide 
the best environment possible for children to excel. She is innovative 
bringing in new curriculums such as the National Service-Learning 
program. The Academy is the only middle school in Alabama and only one 
of 34 nationwide to implement the service-learning program. She has 
shared her knowledge and the benefits of the service-learning program 
as a Regional Trainer for the Southern Region Corporation for National 
Service-Exchange.
  Mrs. Conley believes that an education does not have to be limited to 
the classroom. Along with her students whom she inspires to achieve 
more and give back to their community, she established the first annual 
Community Day at Glenwood cemetery earning the Huntsville Historical 
Society Award and the Alabama Historical Commission Distinguished 
Service Award.
  On behalf of the United States Congress and the people of North 
Alabama, I want to personally thank Mrs. Conley and pay tribute to her 
for her being an unsung hero. The difference she has made in countless 
children's lives over the years is incalculable. I would like to extend 
my best wishes to her, her family, friends and colleagues as they 
celebrate her well-deserved rest and a job well done.

                          ____________________