[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 70 (Tuesday, June 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1016]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING KEN HAAS OF HAYS, KANSAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 6, 2006

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ken Haas of 
Hays, Kansas for his years of service to this community through his 
diverse career in education.
  Mr. Haas began teaching in 1964 at Kennedy Middle School as an 
industrial arts and physical education instructor. He also influenced 
countless students by serving as the school's guidance counselor. In 
1999, after 35 years of work in the Hays school district, Ken was 
approached by Father Mike Scully and asked to assume the role as 
principal of Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, a private Christian 
high school in the Catholic tradition.
  Ken was nearing the point of possible retirement in his current 
position and awaiting him was the well-deserved free time that one 
earns after working so long in a challenging vocation. After a weekend 
of prayer and consideration, Ken decided that it was the Lord's desire 
for him to accept the position.
  That was 7 years ago. After improving the school's leadership 
structure, balancing the school's budget, and sustaining enrollment, 
Mr. Haas has chosen to retire from his current position. Even in 
retirement Ken plans to be involved where he's needed around the 
school.
  Mr. Haas is a committed professional who is well-regarded among his 
peers and students. He is known for attending athletic events, even the 
ones that don't generate the largest crowds. He still surprises many 
former pupils with his unique ability to greet them by name after not 
seeing them for many years. Just another sign of how much he cares.
  Mr. Haas has served Hays students and their parents well for over 40 
years, and that is why Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor him today.

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