[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 48 (Wednesday, April 7, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S3914]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO FLORA ALLEN

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of a 
noted Kentuckian and inspiring educator, Ms. Flora Allen. I also take 
this opportunity to extend my condolences to her daughters, Nora Ruth 
Jenkins and Margaret Cornelison, her five grandchildren, and all who 
knew and loved this remarkable woman.
  Ms. Allen knew she wanted to be a teacher at a very early age. What 
she didn't know was the amazing impact she would have on the students 
she taught.
  After moving to Berea, KY in 1946, she earned her bachelor's degree 
in teaching from Berea College and her masters from Eastern Kentucky 
University. She taught Kentucky history, social studies and science for 
32 years. In addition to the traditional lessons, Ms. Allen also taught 
life lessons, such as how to behave and treat others.
  When Ms. Allen was away from the classroom, she was busy in her 
community. She was a member of the Lioness Club, Berea Retired Teachers 
Association, Progress Club, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Berea Baptist Church 
where she taught Sunday school and Bible school. Ms. Allen spent her 
summers and remaining spare time working in the flower shop she owned 
with her husband, Allen's Flowers. Even with all this activity, Ms. 
Allen's best and most admirable attributes can be seen through the 
lives she touched.
  It has become cliche to say that teachers inspire. Undoubtedly, 
informed of such a happening, Ms. Allen would simply have smiled and 
stated that it had been her goal all along. What is not cliche is the 
fact that she instilled in her students a desire to learn, to know, and 
to understand. Not all of her former students went on to be historians. 
However, it is certain that a great many of them who were inspired by 
her have become better citizens.
  I ask each of my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Flora 
Allen; for all that she gave to her community, her students, and to her 
family. She will be missed.

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