[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 84 (Friday, June 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MR. LEONARD HOFFMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 21, 2002

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Leonard Hoffman 
for his years of service in the educational system. Mr. Hoffman, who 
retires this year, has served the educational system since August 25, 
1969. Leonard began his career at Channahon Elementary School and has 
taught every subject except Science. He has also served as Union 
President, Union Vice-President and building representative.
  Always striving for excellence, Leonard initiated special school 
activities to keep the students active and interested in learning. One 
special activity is called the President's Test. The President's Test 
required students to be able to name the Presidents in order. Fifth 
grade students need to pass the President's Test to be ``eligible to go 
into sixth grade.'' This involved many practice sessions for the 
students and time for encouragement and positive reinforcement from the 
teachers. The President's Test has become an important ``rite of 
passage'' for the students.
  Other activities initiated by Mr. Hoffman include the Campbell's soup 
label saving program which provides funds to purchase new library books 
and audiovisual equipment. The students celebrated President 
Washington's birthday by making tri-cornered hats and making a button 
toy similar to those of that era. A history lesson on the Boston Tea 
Party included drinking tea and eating biscuits. Arbor Day was 
celebrated by Mr. Hoffman giving each student seedling trees to take 
home and plant. There are adults in the community that still talk about 
``their trees''.
  Leonard Hoffman was born on February 25, 1947 in Morris, Illinois to 
Judge and Mrs. Leonard (Erb) Hoffman. He graduated from Illinois 
Wesleyan University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. In 
1973, Leonard received his Master's Degree in Education from Northern 
Illinois University. Leonard married Carol Collins Hoffman on March 9, 
1974. They are the proud parents of Martha Hoffman.
  Leonard has also given his time and energy to the whole community. He 
is a member of the board of directors of the First National Bank of 
Dwight and a charter member of the First Bank of Channahon. Currently 
serving as Vice President, Leonard is one of the original trustees of 
Three River's Library system. He is also a Life Loyal Member of Sigma 
Chi Fraternity and a member of the Channahon Methodist Church.
  Leonard is best remembered for an often-cited quotation he learned 
from his first grade teacher, Miss Canaday, ``Directions are your 
friends, they tell you what to do''. In fact, you would not be able to 
find a former student of Leonard's that would not be able to remember 
this statement. His daughter, Martha, is now using this statement with 
her students.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge this body to identify and recognize others in 
their own districts whose actions have so greatly benefitted and 
strengthened America's communities.

                          ____________________