[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 132 (Tuesday, December 5, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2093]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO CHARLES HIGGINS

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                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2006

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Charles 
Higgins, in honor of his work and accomplishments for the Lincoln Park 
Board of Education.
  Mr. Higgins has lived in Lincoln Park since the age of 5, and 
throughout his life he has been committed to making it a better place 
to live. Charles was first elected to the Board of Education in 1967 
and he made it his goal to improve subjects that, from his time in high 
school in Lincoln Park, he felt were lacking. Such areas included 
vocational education and the math curriculum. Mr. Higgins' dedication 
to parent-teacher associations while on the Board granted him the 
Distinguished Service Award for his efforts with the students. His time 
on the Board earned him the recognition of the longest-serving board 
member in the district of Lincoln Park and in the state of Michigan, 
and the honorable position of Board President.
  Mr. Higgins served as a liaison to the Michigan Association of School 
Boards, the City Council of Lincoln Park, to the City Recreation 
Commission. He has been deservingly honored with tributes such as the 
Book of Golden Deeds Award from the Lincoln Park Exchange Club and 
Award Merit and Award of Distinction from the Michigan Association of 
School Boards. He also served with dedication as one of 28 board 
members from the state as a Michigan Ambassador for Public Education.
  Before his time on the Board, Mr. Higgins worked for General Motors 
and was a deacon at the Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church. He is deeply 
involved in his community, and some of his current commitments include 
the Lincoln Park Athletic Club, Little League Baseball, Girl Scouts, 
and the Lincoln Park Democratic Club. He is also active with the senior 
community, delivering baked goods to the Lincoln Park Senior Center 
Towers.
  I wish Mr. Higgins, his wife Marilyn, and their three children many 
good years filled with family, friends, and good health. The Southeast 
Michigan Community deeply appreciates his fantastic devotion and loyal 
service. I ask that all of my colleagues join me in wishing Charles 
Higgins a happy and relaxing retirement.

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