[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 95 (Wednesday, June 25, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S8556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO THE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION OF McCRACKEN COUNTY

 Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I rise to honor and pay tribute to 
the McCracken County Education Association for the high ideals which 
they have taught through example to the children of their county school 
system. The McCracken County Education Association of McCracken County, 
KY, generously took the initiative not only to raise $10,089 and donate 
it to Habitat for Humanity but also to give their time and effort in 
the construction of a home in Paducah.
  The initiative involved all 12 of McCracken County's public schools 
and the children that attend them. Each teacher was asked to raise $35 
from their own classroom while the central office and each school 
contributed $350. The ways in which the money was raised are just as 
admirable for their originality and civic mindedness as they are for 
their charity. One teacher added a brick to a miniature house structure 
for every dollar her students contributed, while one school of only 350 
students held a bake sale and raised approximately $5,000. Overall and 
throughout, the raising of funds was marked with a spirit of 
cooperation and team spirit. On June 6 the funds were presented to 
Habitat for Humanity of Paducah/McCracken County and on the 14th the 
teachers, administrators, and staff of McCracken County Education 
Association assembled at 1920 Broad St. in Paducah, KY, to donate time 
and labor in the construction of a house.
  The altruism and generosity of the McCracken County Education 
Association ought to be highly commended and imitated by all who have 
seen its shining example. Such interest in the well-being of our 
neighbors combines the virtues of justice and compassion and enriches 
the society in which it exists.
  While it is true that the McCracken County Education Association's 
concern for their neighbors and for a society in which all have shelter 
is truly virtuous, it is also true that the work they did was just as, 
if not more, valuable for the reason that they are the educators of 
America's future. The children whom the McCracken County Education 
Association included in this fundraiser event learned more than just 
what books might have taught them in school. They learned that an 
active interest in the well-being of others is important. They learned 
that though they are children who are still in the process of learning, 
their voices will be heard if they work together with order and with 
the good of society at heart. It is not only these children who stand 
to learn something from this notable example of generosity and civic 
responsibility but all of us here today.
  My Senate colleagues and all others would do well to imitate the 
concern and initiative of the McCracken County Education Association. I 
thank the Senate for allowing me to laud the praises of the McCracken 
County Education Association.

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