[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 90 (Thursday, June 30, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING DR. ROBERT SMOTHERMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON LEWIS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 29, 2005

  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
remarkable individual from my home district. Dr. Robert Smotherman, 
school superintendent of the Bardstown Independent School System, is 
retiring this month, bringing his distinguished career as an educator 
to a close.
  Before becoming Superintendent in 1983, Dr. Smotherman spent a 9-year 
tenure as principal and assistant superintendent in the Kingsport, TN 
school system. He earlier taught in schools in Atlanta, Birmingham, and 
Nashville. During his 22 years as superintendent, Bardstown Independent 
Schools has been a catalyst for many Kentucky firsts including first in 
the state to create a private educational foundation to raise money for 
the school district; the first district to offer an educational program 
for all 3- and 4-year olds regardless of economics or special needs; 
the first district to mandate school uniforms; and the first district 
in Kentucky to move to a year-round calendar at all schools. He has 
also been a tireless advocate, throughout his tenure, for effective 
Adult Education. The current program offers a wide range of educational 
opportunity and the GED program, producing over 150 graduates annually.
  Dr. Smotherman has been a consistent recipient of academic and 
community honors including being named one of the ``Top 100 
Superintendents in America'' by Executive Educator Magazine, the 
Kentucky Department of Education's ``Good Apple'' Award, the American 
Legion Award for Educational Excellence, and the Jenson Award from the 
National Association for Year Round Schools, recognizing his 
outstanding leadership in a movement that he helped to organize. Dr. 
Smotherman served on the NAYRE Board of Directors and was later elected 
President of the national organization, the first Kentuckian to hold 
that position. In 2003, Dr. Smotherman was named to the Bardstown-
Nelson County ``Hall of Fame.''
  I applaud Robert Smotherman's accomplshments in public education, an 
occupation of great responsibility and ever greater reward, motivating 
young people to recognize and develop their talents and abilities. On 
behalf of so many in the Bardstown area, I would like to express my 
profound appreciation for his service and inspiration to the countless 
men and women who have benefited from his generosity and vision.
  It is my great privilege to recognize Robert Smotherman today, before 
the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for his many achievements as 
an educator. His unique dedication to the development and well-being of 
young people and the communities they now serve make him an outstanding 
citizen worthy of our collective honor and respect.

                          ____________________