[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 66 (Tuesday, May 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E878-E879]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     FORTY YEARS OF SERVICE TO PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 2003

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Delegate Joanne C. 
Benson--a woman of integrity, principle, love and passion for helping 
others. As a Member of the Maryland State House of Delegates since 1991 
and an educator in the Prince George's County School System for forty 
years, Joanne Benson has touched the lives of thousands in her service 
to people. On this very special occasion of celebrating her retirement 
we must all give great thanks for the difference she has made in 
carrying out her life's work.
  Having known this extraordinary woman for all my years of public 
service, I have seen first hand her compassion and unfailing love for 
children, family and community. Her motto, ``If not now, when? If not 
us, who?'' exemplifies her tireless efforts in being a voice for the 
voiceless, a power for the powerless and a fighter for those who have 
given up the fight.
  Born in Roanoke, Virginia, the daughter of Reverend and Mrs. William 
Claybon, she is one of six children. After graduating from South 
Hagerstown High School, she received her Bachelor of Science Degree 
from Bowie State University and later achieved a Master of Arts Degree 
from Catholic University. Her career in education began as a teacher in 
Calvert County and soon thereafter she began to work for the Prince 
George's County School System, where over the years she has served in a 
number of capacities including teacher/facilitator, master teacher, 
instructional support specialist, human relations specialist, Principal 
and parent involvement specialist. And throughout this long tenure 
there is one thing she has always been--one of the strongest and most 
ardent activists for improving the quality of life and the quality of 
education for our children.
  Joanne is a caring individual. Story after story can be told of her 
purchasing shoes and coats for children in need; bringing food to a 
hungry family; accessing free health and dental care for children; and 
finding shelter for the homeless. It was her work while she was 
Principal of John H. Bayne Elementary School that started the first 
after-school program in which teachers, parents and community leaders 
volunteered to work. She began a clothes closet and food pantry and 
started adult education classes for parents. And she was an early 
advocate of school uniforms, recognizing that if a child looks good, 
they feel good.

[[Page E879]]

  From an early age, Joanne learned that the rewards we receive are 
from the work we do. She has carried her concern and compassion for 
children to her work at the Maryland General Assembly where she is one 
of the most vocal and respected legislators and where she has been able 
to implement policies to better life for youngsters. She was an 
original sponsor of the Primary Seat Belt Law which serves as a 
national model for children's car seats and seat belt laws. She has 
gained the reputation as always being there for her constituents, 
whether it is help to get more funding for public education or safer 
streets in their community, and always takes positive action.
  One of her proudest achievements has been the establishment of the 
not-for-profit organization known as SAFE STREETS 2000. This program, 
designed to educate and strengthen our communities and organizations, 
has helped many become more knowledgeable of available resources in the 
prevention, intervention and rehabilitation of senseless violence. For 
this work, Delegate Benson was profiled on the front page of the 
Washington Post and the Prince George's Journal and was featured on 
Nightline with Ted Koppel and Night Watch with Charles Rose.
  Her endless commitment to children has earned her many other awards: 
For the Love of Children Award from the Kiwanis Club of the Capitol 
Area; Outstanding Educator from Prince George's County Schools, Who's 
Who Among Notable Educators in Maryland, Woman of the Year from 
Metropolitan Business and Professional Women, Humanitarian Award from 
Zeta Phi Beta and Outstanding Community Service Award from Las Amigas.
  There are so many accomplishments and so many awards, but anyone who 
knows Joanne knows the things which make her the happiest and the 
proudest are the small unnoticed acts of kindness. Joanne, you are 
blessed with an irresistible spirit which is transmitted to all you 
touch. And we are all so grateful for all you have done. We thank you 
for your friendship, your leadership and your commitment to improving 
the lives of children and all the citizens of Prince George's County 
and the State of Maryland. We salute your 40 years of outstanding and 
dedicated service to the Prince George's County School System.

                          ____________________