[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 115 (Monday, July 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF JOHN M. HAIRSTON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 14, 2008

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of John M. 
Hairston and in recognition of his outstanding leadership, vision and 
dedication to empowering those around him at the NASA Glenn Research 
Center in Cleveland, Ohio.
   Mr. Hairston earned his first degree in English from Bluefield State 
College and later went on to earn his master's degree in Education 
Administration from Cleveland State University. He also attended the 
John F. Kennedy School of Public Policy at Harvard University. Prior to 
working at NASA, Mr. Hairston worked in the Cleveland Metropolitan 
School District for almost thirty years, where he served as an English 
teacher, Staff Development Director and Chief of the Community 
Relations Department.
   Mr. Hairston's leadership has been vital in the success of the NASA 
Glenn Research Center. He worked tirelessly to promote scientific 
literacy and to develop outreach programs that help economically 
disadvantaged communities and businesses. Mr. Hairston worked within 
NASA as the Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Education. 
His guidance helped to ensure that NASA's educational programs were 
effective. Mr. Hairston has worked to make manifest NASA's vision of 
educating the next generation of explorers by developing criteria to 
ensure that their programs are effective and that they attract students 
from all of Cleveland's diverse communities. He succeeded in developing 
strong partnerships between the NASA Glenn Research Center and Greater 
Cleveland Community.
   Mr. Hairston has been the recipient of numerous awards for his 
outstanding work at the NASA Glenn Research Center. NASA honored him 
several times by awarding him with the Exceptional Achievement Medal, 
the Medal for Outstanding Leadership, and their Education Distinguished 
Service Award. He has also been the recipient of the Presidential Rank 
Award and the Leadership Cleveland Civic Volunteer of the Year award.
   Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of John M. 
Hairston and in recognition of his outstanding leadership and vision. 
May his dedication to his work and to the community serve as an example 
for us all.

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