[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E350]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               PAYING TRIBUTE TO THERON AND NAOMI GOYNES

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                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 14, 2006

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Theron and Naomi 
Goynes for years of service to the Clark County School District. Today 
the couple is honored at the formal dedication of Goynes Elementary 
School, which is named in their honor.
  Theron Hulan Goynes was born in Texarkana, TX, in 1929. After 
graduating from Dunbar High School in 1947, he attended Prairie View 
A&M University where he majored in business administration and minored 
in secondary education. He graduated in 1952 with a bachelor's degree. 
Later that year he entered the United States Air Force and served for 4 
years. After an honorable discharge, he began his career in education 
as a teacher. In 1963, he was awarded a master of arts degree in 
education administration from Northern Arizona University at Flagstaff, 
AZ. Theron served as a teacher, elementary assistant principal, and 
principal during his career with the district. His last position before 
retiring was principal of the Madison Sixth Grade Center.
  In addition to his service with the school district, Theron served 
for 20 years on the North Las Vegas City Council, 12 of those years as 
mayor pro tempore. On September 16, 1981, he chaired the North Las 
Vegas City Council meeting in the absence of the mayor, thus becoming 
the first black elected representative to officially head a government 
body in Nevada's 117-year history. Theron's diverse, tireless 
involvement in and support of educational, civic, and community 
services has been exemplary. The Nevada League of Cities honored him as 
the ``1992 Public Official of the Year.'' He has also received numerous 
awards and honors from various local, county, and State agencies and 
organizations in recognition of his services to the people of Clark 
County, the State of Nevada, and the Nation. Theron continues to serve 
the community on elected and appointed boards and committees.
  Naomi Delores Jackson Goynes was born in Memphis, TN, in 1933. In 
1956, she received her bachelor of science degree in home economics 
with a minor in chemistry from the University of Pine Bluff. Her first 
teaching assignment was in Nashville, AR. In 1970, she completed her 
master of arts degree in elementary education with a minor in music 
from Northern Arizona University at Flagstaff. She completed her 
educational specialist degree in educational administration with a 
minor in curriculum from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1977. 
Naomi has served the Clark County School District as a teacher, 
Assessment Team member, Teacher Corps Team Leader, Kindergarten Task 
Force member, reading specialist, high school dean, and assistant 
principal. At the time of her retirement, she was the assistant 
principal of Jim Bridger Junior High School. Naomi has worked long and 
hard as an educator, wife, mother, grandmother, and campaign manager 
for her husband. In her 42 years as an educator, she was known as being 
tireless, dedicated, and sensitive in her efforts to meet the needs of 
students, parents, and staff.
  Theron and Naomi taught in Arkansas, California, and Arizona before 
moving to Las Vegas in 1964 to teach in Clark County School District. 
Collectively, they served 63 years educating youth in the Clark County 
School District. Theron retired in 1991 after 27 years and Naomi 
retired in 2000 after 36 years of service. Additionally, Theron and 
Naomi have been dedicated, active members of their church. They have 
been active leaders in the Girl Scouts of America, as well as the 
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP. 
Theron and Naomi have been married almost 48 years and have three 
children and five grandchildren. All three of their children are 
successful college graduates and have followed in their parents' 
footsteps.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Theron and Naomi Goynes.

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