[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 96 (Wednesday, June 11, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1206-E1207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING RETIRING EDUCATOR LARRY MYHRA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 2008

  Mr. KIND. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding individual, and an excellent public servant: La Crosse 
educator, Larry Myhra.
  The end of every school year brings the retirement of many terrific 
school leaders, teachers and staff members who provide a quality 
education for our children and replacing their professionalism and 
dedication is an annual challenge.
  One such individual this year is Larry Myhra, who is retiring as 
principal of Lincoln Middle School after a distinguished 35-year career 
as principal, science teacher, and football coach in the La Crosse 
School District.
  In 1973, Larry graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 
and began his teaching career in the science department at old Logan 
High School. Throughout his 31 years at Logan High School, Larry served 
as the head football and track coach, assistant basketball coach, 
athletic director, activities director, dean of students, and associate 
principal. While serving as athletic director, Larry helped to broaden 
the program by adding various sports, including hockey and soccer, but 
later decided to become the activities director in order to better 
serve the entire student body. Larry was also an advocate for the 
creation of the La Crossroads charter school, which helps students that 
are in danger of dropping out of school stay in school and graduate. 
This program has helped many students improve both their attendance and 
their grades.
  When I was in high school, I had the pleasure of playing for Coach 
Myhra for 3 years at Logan. He instilled in his players and students a 
desire for dedication and determination both in and out of the 
classroom. I owe much of who I became in life to Coach Myhra and the 
educational system that was provided to me in La Crosse.
  In 2004 Larry took up the position of principal at Lincoln Middle 
School, where he remained until now.

[[Page E1207]]

  It has been said that great teachers and coaches enjoy a special 
immortality because their influence never stops radiating. That is 
certainly true for Larry Myhra. I wish him and our retiring educators a 
well-deserved and happy retirement.

                          ____________________