[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 32 (Thursday, February 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF DARYL THOMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. J. DENNIS HASTERT

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 2003

  Mr. HASTERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
distinguished constituent; a person who was one of the most active, 
hard-working and dedicated educators in the State of Illinois--Mr. 
Daryl Thompson. Sadly, Mr. Thompson passed away on January 14, 2003.
  Mr. Thompson began a 37-year career at Oswego High School in 1961. In 
his early years at Oswego High School, Mr. Thompson taught bookkeeping, 
business law, general business and typing, in addition to serving as 
the freshman basketball coach, faculty advisor to the school newspaper, 
and sponsor of the National Honor Society. And, after earning his 
certificate in education administration, Mr. Thompson was hired as 
Oswego High School's Vice Principal, and in 1974 was appointed 
Principal.
  Throughout his years as an educator and administrator in Oswego, Mr. 
Thompson was the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. To name 
a few, Mr. Thompson was awarded the Illinois State Board of Education's 
``Educator for Excellence in Education,'' Coca- Cola's Educator of the 
Month, and was selected by the Oswego Ledger-Sentinel as one of the top 
50 people of the 20th Century to make a positive impact on Oswegoland. 
Furthermore, in 1997, a portion of Illinois Route 71, which passes by 
Oswego High School property, was named the honorary ``Daryl Thompson 
Highway.''
  Moreover, Mr. Thompson served as a member of the Illinois High School 
Association's Legislative Commission for 12 years, served as Director 
of the Illinois Principals Association and was involved with the Oswego 
Foundation for Excellence in Education.
  Nonetheless, we should also remember Mr. Thompson as a dedicated 
friend and mentor. He will be remembered for his keen sense of humor, 
thoughtful guidance and his genuine interest in the well-being of the 
entire community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Daryl 
Thompson for his contributions to the Oswego school system and the many 
students, parents, teachers and fellow administrators whom he touched. 
His accomplishments deserve our praise and appreciation.

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