[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E81]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               MS. MARTHA MORGAN-NAYLOR'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 14, 2009

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure and honor 
that I congratulate Ms. Martha Morgan-Naylor on a momentous milestone, 
her 100th birthday, which will be on January 22, 2009. Martha will be 
celebrating this milestone with family and friends on Sunday, January 
18, 2009, at the First Baptist Church of Gary, Indiana. For 42 years, 
Martha's presence in the Gary school system allowed her the opportunity 
to touch the lives of countless members of her community.
  Martha Morgan-Naylor was born on January 22, 1909, in Auburn, 
Alabama. She was the youngest of five children born to Clem and Amy 
Morgan. In 1917, the family relocated to Gary, Indiana, in search of 
better employment opportunities and school systems for their children. 
In 1926, Martha graduated from one of only a few integrated high 
schools in the state of Indiana: Froebel High School. Martha's passion 
for education led her on to graduate with a bachelor of science degree 
in physical education from Indiana State Normal School, now known as 
Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana. Martha then decided 
to return to Gary to pursue a teaching career. She went on to teach 
physical education for 32 years at Roosevelt High School. Her career 
continued and she went on to teach for 11 years at Beckman Middle 
School until her retirement in 1974. Martha's many years of service as 
an educator have been a blessing to the youth and families in the Gary 
community, and she is worthy of our deepest admiration.
  In addition to her impressive career, Martha serves her community as 
an active member and deacon at First Baptist Church of Gary. Fully 
devoted to her congregation, she serves as Chairman of the Scholarship 
Committee at First Baptist, and is also a member of the Matron's 
Welcoming Committee. A lifelong teacher, Martha participated in the 
Purdue University/Hammond High School Oral History project in October 
2008. The students involved researched ``The Great Depression'' and 
interviewed Martha on her reflection of living during that time. The 
interview was recorded and transcribed for historical records. Martha 
believes that she is blessed by God's grace and has always felt 
compelled to help others. It is this belief that has enabled her to 
enrich the lives of many people throughout the community.
  Martha has many friends and loved ones who share a common respect for 
her commendable qualities, including her energy, wisdom, sharp mind, 
and her calmness in stressful situations. Martha's selfless devotion to 
education and the community of Gary is to be commended. She is truly an 
inspiration and a role model for us all.
  Madam Speaker, Martha Morgan-Naylor has always given her time and 
efforts selflessly to the youth and the community in Gary throughout 
her illustrious life. She has taught her friends and members of her 
community the true meaning of service to others. I respectfully ask 
that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in wishing 
Martha a very Happy 100th Birthday.

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