[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 149 (Thursday, September 18, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S9016]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING DEBORAH LONG

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, it is my great honor to recognize 
Principal Deborah Long of Betty Kiefer Elementary School in Rathdrum, 
ID. Deborah has been recognized as Idaho's 2008 recipient of the 
National Distinguished Principals Award. The award is given jointly by 
the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the U.S. 
Department of Education. Deborah is being recognized for her exemplary 
leadership in her job and in her community and contributions to her 
profession, including professional association affiliations.
  Deborah has established strong ties with parents and local businesses 
in Rathdrum. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership at Betty 
Kiefer Elementary and in the community. She promotes a goal-oriented 
learning environment for her students and expects great things from her 
students and her staff. In fact, under her leadership, Betty Kiefer 
Elementary is both an Idaho School of Merit and a recipient of the A+ 
Excellence in Education Award. In today's world, young students need 
and benefit from a good role model and someone who cares for them. She 
cares about the learning environment itself the school is decorated 
with floor-to-ceiling, hall-length murals that tell the story of a 
school focused on principles, patriotism, pride in their State and 
kindness to others. Deborah has gone above and beyond the call of duty 
in her service as principal of Betty Kiefer Elementary School, in her 
words, making her school ``safe, secure and caring.'' Students in this 
rural Idaho school are fortunate, indeed, to have the gift of Deborah's 
wisdom, encouragement and expectations of moral behavior and high 
integrity. It says a lot about a principal when close to 100 percent of 
parents attend parent teacher conferences and a full 25 percent of 
parents volunteer at the school.
  I am certain I share the sentiments of her students, their parents 
and her staff when I wish her congratulations and the best for 
continued excellence in her career.

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