[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 109 (Thursday, September 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN MEMORY OF DR. STERLING SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2006

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give tribute to Dr. 
Sterling Smith, of Denton, Texas, for his lifelong commitment and 
contributions to his community and to education.
  A native of Denton, Texas, Dr. Smith received his undergraduate 
degree from the University of North Texas in 1963. He also received a 
Master of Secondary Education degree from the University of Arizona and 
a Ph.D. in Science and Mathematics Education from the University of 
Texas at Austin. A 40-year veteran of public education and an avid 
mountain-climber, Dr. Smith died August 21st as the result of a fall 
while descending South Maroon Peak near Aspen, Colorado.
  Dr. Smith began as a product of the Denton public school system and 
spent 30 of his 40 years as an educator teaching at the Texas Women's 
University in Denton. He worked closely for years with science teachers 
in North Texas and served for 2 years as president of the Denton High 
School Band Booster Club. He was active in the Boy Scouts for more than 
40 years and volunteered as a teacher in the men's Sunday school class 
at First Baptist Church.
  Most recently, Dr. Smith had been elected as the newest member of the 
Denton school board, his first elected office, and fellow members said 
he was already hard at work getting caught up on the complex issues 
associated with a modern public school system.
  Dr. Smith was a lifelong champion of education and service to his 
community. I join in mourning the loss of Dr. Smith and extend my 
deepest sympathies to his friends and family. He will be deeply missed 
and his service and dedication will always be greatly appreciated.

                          ____________________