[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 62 (Monday, April 27, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E988]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              A TRIBUTE TO ATHLETIC DIRECTOR RONNIE CHAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE McINTYRE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 27, 2009

  Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, as co-chairman and co-founder of the 
Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports, I rise today to extend my most 
sincere congratulations to Robeson County Athletic Director Ronnie 
Chavis, who was honored by the National Association for Sport and 
Physical Education (NASPE) as 2009 National Athletic Director of the 
Year. Mr. Chavis, who has served the Public Schools of Robeson County 
for over 17 years as director of athletics, driver education, health, 
and physical education, was honored as Southern District Athletic 
Director of the Year on January 5, 2009. It was at the organization's 
national convention in Tampa, Florida, held during the first week of 
April, that Mr. Chavis was named NASPE's 34th Athletic Director of the 
Year.
  Mr. Chavis is a long-time resident of Robeson County, which is my 
home county. He graduated from Prospect High School in 1968 and 
attended the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where, as 
pitcher, he led his baseball team to the College World Series with a 9-
3 record. Mr. Chavis graduated from UNC--Pembroke with a degree in 
education in 1972, and began teaching and coaching at a local high 
school. Mr. Chavis later earned two master's of education degrees from 
Campbell University, one in physical education, and the other in 
administration and supervision. In 1989, he was named Athletic Director 
of the Public Schools of Robeson County.
  Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Chavis used funds from a physical 
education grant to build fitness centers, complete with new 
conditioning and physical education equipment, for each of the seven 
high schools within his district. Furthermore, Mr. Chavis ensured that 
all 35 elementary and middle schools were furnished with adequate 
physical education supplies, equipment, and software. Mr. Chavis also 
partnered with the Public Schools of Robeson County to provide funds 
for the lighting of all baseball and softball fields, and two football 
fields. Finally, Mr. Chavis established the Robeson County Coaches Golf 
Tournament, which has raised over $15,000 to assist coaches and 
athletes that have experienced hardships.
  Mr. Chavis is recognized by his colleagues as a highly dedicated 
professional who is able to motivate both students and coaches. His 
impact on the children of Robeson County and its youth sports community 
is evident. While a number of Robeson County athletes have gone on to 
play at the collegiate and/or professional level, many of Mr. Chavis' 
former students have emerged as doctors, lawyers, and coaches. Teaching 
discipline and perseverance, Mr. Chavis continues to inspire the lives 
of our children, molding individuals who will make many useful 
contributions to society. On behalf of the U.S. Congress, I extend 
congratulations to Mr. Chavis for his recognition as 2009 National 
Athletic Director of the Year.

                          ____________________