[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 152 (Friday, November 22, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            HONORING THE EDUCATIONAL CAREER OF HULON WATSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 22, 2002

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Hulon Watson 
for an outstanding 44-year career in education. He has spent the last 
5\1/2\ years helping my hometown of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, deal with 
a population explosion as the school superintendent for Rutherford 
County. Prior to that post, Hulon served 18 years as the principal of 
Murfreesboro's Riverdale High School.
  But after more than four decades as an educator, Hulon has decided to 
retire and spend more time with his wife, Charlotte; their two 
children; and their four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 
Hulon's last official work day will be December 31 of this year.
  Hulon began his career as a teacher and coach in nearby Winchester, 
Tennessee. After he moved to Murfreesboro in 1979 to take the 
principal's position at Riverdale High School, he began helping 
Rutherford County students achieve success. And when he took over the 
helm of the Rutherford County School System, he helped raise scholastic 
standards county-wide and guided a vigorous campaign to build much-
needed schools.
  Hulon did all this during a time when every penny counted. Rutherford 
County can now count itself as among one of the best, most efficiently 
operated school systems in the entire nation. In years to come, 
Rutherford County residents will be able to see Hulon's legacy through 
their prosperity. I congratulate him for his efforts and 
accomplishments in providing Rutherford County children with an 
education second to none and wish him the best in his well-deserved 
retirement.

                          ____________________