[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 62 (Wednesday, May 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E808]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING BERNICE WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 2002

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bernice 
Williams as she retires from teaching after 38 years. Mrs. Williams 
will be honored at a luncheon on June 1 in my hometown of Flint, 
Michigan.
  Bernice Williams is an example of how hard work and dedication can 
change one's life. In high school her dreams of becoming a teacher and 
attending college seemed to be dismissed as nothing more than wishful 
thinking. Many women did not attend college in the 1950's and 1960's. 
However, Bernice followed her own dream and attended Michigan State 
University in 1959. She graduated with a Bachelors degree in English 
and a teachers certificate in 1963. She was the first person in her 
family to earn a college degree. In June she attended a march for 
justice led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His desire for equality was 
something Mrs. Williams truly thought was a worthy cause. During her 
teaching career Mrs. Williams has been a strong supporter of 
multicultural education. She has spent the last 35 years at Holmes 
Junior High School where she has been trying to incorporate these 
ideals into her teaching. While doing all this she went on to earn a 
Masters degree from Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan. Her 
endeavors as a teacher are worthy of the honors she is receiving.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
congratulating Bernice Williams for her devotion to students and their 
quality of education. Her accomplishments in the face of adversity are 
a true inspiration.

                          ____________________