[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 79 (Monday, June 2, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JOHN RHYMES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 2, 2003

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, as a former teacher, I am happy to rise 
before you today to recognize Mr. John Rhymes, who is retiring as 
Principal of Gundry Elementary School, in my hometown of Flint, 
Michigan.
  Armed with a desire to teach, John Rhymes, a native of Hazlehurst, 
Mississippi, started his college career at Mississippi Valley State 
University, where he received his Bachelor's Degree in 1970. He later 
arrived in Michigan, where he earned a Master's Degree in Guidance and 
Counseling from Eastern Michigan University, and also studied 
Educational Leadership at Wayne State University in Detroit.
  Moving to Flint 32 years ago with his new wife Lessie Odom Rhymes, 
John began his tenure with the Flint educational community as a 
teacher, Social Service field worker, Assistant Principal, and 
ultimately Principal. In addition to serving as Principal of Gundry 
Elementary, John is also Executive Director of the Sylvester Broome, 
Jr. Training Technology Center. At the Broome Center, he oversees the 
Amistad Academy After-School School, which offers young people classes 
in computers, public speaking, performing arts, and character 
development, among other things. To date, there have been 308 graduates 
of the Academy, with a long waiting list of students eager to be placed 
into the program.
  John's commitment to education is matched only by his tremendous 
commitment to improving the community. He has been recognized many 
times for his work by such groups as the Flint Human Rights Commission, 
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and the City of Flint Youth Council, to name a 
few. As mentor and advisor for the Gamma Delta Kudos of Phi Delta 
Kappa, Inc., John helps young men enhance leadership skills as well as 
self-esteem, and for many, serves as a strong, positive role model.
  John's professional affiliations include the Congress of Flint 
Administrators, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Province Guide Right, and 
the National Guide Right Board. He is also a member of Metropolitan 
Baptist Church, where he has served as Youth Fellowship Director, 
Vacation Bible School Director, Sunday School Superintendent, and the 
church's Day Care Center's Board of Directors. Presently he is 
President of the Inspirational Voices Choir, Sunday School teacher and 
instructor, and Assistant Director of Christian Education.
  Mr. Speaker, many of John Rhymes' students, as well as the various 
faculty members under his leadership, both past and present, have 
greatly benefited from his insight, as has the entire Flint community. 
He has always been a staunch fighter for education, for he believes 
that a strong educational background is the basis toward improving the 
quality of life. I ask my colleagues to please join me in 
congratulating him on his retirement, and wishing him and his family, 
the best in their future endeavors.

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