[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1087]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      FRANK H. DAVENPORT: A LIFELONG ADVOCATE FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 18, 2002

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank H. Davenport as 
he prepares to close the chapter on his 24 years of service as a member 
of the Essexville-Hampton Public Schools Board of Education. Frank's 
devotion to children and his dedication to improving the quality of 
education in Essexville will serve for many years as a model for all 
who choose to volunteer their time and talents to their community.
  Frank's passion for education began in 1954 as a civics teacher at 
Essexville Schools, where stayed for 10 years before heading to the 
Bangor School District to work with Special Education students. After 
eight years, Frank again was ready for a new challenge, spending the 
next 13 years at the Bay Arenac Skill Center, now known as the Career 
Center, from which he retired in 1985 as Curriculum Coordinator. His 
work earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Vocational 
Industrial Clubs of America.
  Frank was elected to the Essexville-Hampton Board of Education for 
the first time in 1967, where he served until 1971. He returned in 1982 
and has been a board member ever since, including terms as Board 
President during the 2000-01 school year and as Board Secretary from 
1996 to 2000 and again during the 2001-02 school year. He also has 
served on the Bay-Arenac Intermediate School District Board of 
Education since 1989.
  Frank's enthusiasm for starting young people off on the right path 
led him to become the first President/Manager of the Essexville-Hampton 
Little League. He also was the original President of the Garber 
Athletic Association. His eagerness for improving his community also 
prompted Frank to serve on the City Commission and the City Planning 
Commission in the 1960s.
  Naturally, the magnitude and longevity of Frank's community service 
required the encouragement and support of his family. Gloria, Frank's 
wife for 51 years, and their seven children, Frank III, Thomas, 
Charles, David, James, Beverly and Daniel also deserve our gratitude 
for having been an integral part of his efforts.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I wish to applaud Frank Davenport for his years 
of commitment to young people. He has served our community well. I ask 
my colleagues to join me in expressing thanks to Frank for his many 
years of service and in wishing him the best in all future endeavors.

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