[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 152 (Wednesday, November 16, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CONGRATULATING PAULA DAWNING

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 16, 2005

  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Paula Dawning 
who recently was awarded the honor of State Superintendent of the Year 
for 2006 in the State of Michigan. Dawning has been the Superintendent 
of Benton Harbor Areas Schools since July of 2002 after she retired 
from her career as an executive at AT&T.
  The Benton Harbor school system has made progress by leaps and bounds 
under her direction of during the past few years. Her constant 
commitment to academic improvement and reform--including additions like 
the new freshmen academy, improved reading programs, and her fiscal 
responsibility--have helped bring about a new sense of hope and 
achievement in a school system that has faced difficult challenges.
  The award came as a surprise to Paula, who was not even made aware of 
her nomination until she had already received the award. In her usual 
humble demeanor she accepted the prestigius award that recognized her 
as an outstanding school superintendent; evidence that she stands out 
as the best among many highly qualified school system administrators.
  I want to personally thank Paula for her service which has improved 
not only the education, but also the lives of the students in Benton 
Harbor. Paula's hard work and dedication to the children of her 
community make her a living example to all of people of Southwestern 
Michigan. I congratulate her once again for her distinguished award.

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