[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO MR. BURDETTE ANDREWS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2002

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I 
rise to recognize one of my constituents and a friend, Burdette 
Andrews, of Jackson, MI, who is retiring as superintendent of 
Vandercook Lake schools where he served for 56 years. Mr. Andrews is 
recognized as the longest serving superintendent of schools in the 
history of our nation. Burdette is well known for having served the 
people of the school district and the state of Michigan with a 
dedication unparalleled by any before him.
  It is nearly impossible for me to stand before you and do such an 
inspiring man justice with mere words, however, when I think of this 
man who played such an important part in the education of so many young 
people and future leaders, I am moved to try. I think of words such as 
resilience, honor, dedication, and intensity, warmth, friendliness, and 
kindness. None of these words, however, are quite enough. One thing I 
can be sure of though, is that in that part of Michigan's seventh 
district, Burdette Andrews is a legend.
  Fellow representatives, by serving his school district for 56 years, 
Mr. Andrews has not only set national record for length of service in 
this profession, but also has brought great honor and distinction to 
that profession he loved so much. Burdette Andrews is credited with 
being responsible for the popular feeling among people in his community 
toward the public school system.
  Burdette married Annabel Shafer in 1940. They had four children. Don 
Edwin Andrews, deceased in 1992, was an accountant and auditor for DOT 
in Detroit, Dan L. Andrews, partner and member of the operating 
committee for Roney and Co., a stock brokerage firm Jonathan B. 
Andrews, high school counselor at Chelsea High School and a private 
psychotherapist, Judith A. Andrews, controller at ShoTech Presentations 
in Madison Hgts.
  Burdette was born in 1908 and graduated from Greenville College in 
Illinois in 1930. He then went on to earn a master's degree in 
administration from the University of Michigan. Before starting his 
career as the superintendent of schools of Vandercook Lake in the 
Summer of 46.
  Every millage election through the years since 1946 for new school 
buildings and/or additions and additional millage for operation was 
always approved by a the people of Vandercook Lake. One reason was that 
Burdette Andrews was always conservative with the taxpayer's money.
  Academically, Vandercook Lake Public Schools have maintained 
accreditation continuously with the University of Michigan and the 
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Curriculum has been 
expanded at both the elementary and secondary levels. Special programs 
have been added to benefit all children. An excellent staff of 
administrators and teachers has been maintained. The expansion and 
enrichment of the athletic and activities program for students, 
including a high school band program, have taken place. All these 
things were accomplished with Mr. Andrews' guidance. He has served this 
community well.
  Burdette Andrews not only embodies all of the characteristics and 
qualities that we as legislators desire for all those in public 
service. By allowing children access to him and the qualities and 
characteristics he embodies for his 92 years, Burdette Andrews has done 
a great service to America's youth and, therefore, Burdette Andrews has 
done a great service to America.

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