[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1270]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2009 FAIRFAX EDUCATION ASSOCIATION 
           HUMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS COMMITTEE WALT MIKA AWARDS

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the awardees of the Fairfax Education Association (FEA) Human and Civil 
Rights Committee Walt Mika Awards. The mission of the FEA Human and 
Civil Rights Committee includes advocacy and review responsibility to 
ensure that the policies, practices and programs of the Fairfax County 
Public Schools are inclusive and represent all ethnic, minority, gender 
and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLTB) groups. The Committee 
recommends strategies to address GLTB, racial, ethnic and gender issues 
to ensure a quality educational experience for all students. In 
addition, the Committee promotes diversity awareness to recognize and 
celebrate the diverse cultures that enrich Fairfax County.
  These awards are named after Walt Mika. Mr. Mika dedicated more than 
30 years to the education of our youth as a teacher and also as former 
FEA and Virginia Education Association President. With the 
establishment of the FEA Retirement Housing Corporation and the 
development of the Educational Employees Supplemental Retirement System 
for Fairfax County, Mr. Mika has made significant improvements in the 
lives of thousands of retired teachers and Fairfax County Public School 
employees.
  The recipients of the Walt Mika Award are recognized for their 
outstanding commitment to the education of children in Fairfax County. 
In addition to serving as notable educators, these individuals serve as 
role models for their students through their many and varied activities 
outside the classroom.
  Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the following recipients 
for their positive influence in the lives of students and their roles 
in promoting diversity:
  Deb Crerie, Retired Art Teacher
  Robbie Ellen, Instructional Assistant
  Ilryong Moon, School Board Member
  Janice Winters, PhD, Community Activist.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 
contributions these individuals and all of the educators serving the 
children of Fairfax County. They provide enumerable benefits to 
Northern Virginia and life-changing experiences to the children they 
mentor.

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