[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 83 (Thursday, June 4, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE FANNIE W. FITZGERALD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DEDICATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 4, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the dedication of Fannie W. Fitzgerald Elementary School in Woodbridge, 
Virginia. Mrs. Fitzgerald was one of four African-American educators 
who took on the task of integrating Prince William County public 
schools in the 1960s. I consider myself fortunate to live in a time 
when we celebrate the accomplishments of a woman like Mrs. Fitzgerald 
and honor the sentiment of her life's work.
  The unanimous Supreme Court Decision, Brown v. Board of Education, 
was handed down in 1954, calling for the desegregation of America's 
public schools. Ten years later in 1964, it was Mrs. Fitzgerald's 
challenging task to integrate Fred Lynn Elementary and Middle School. 
``With all deliberate speed,'' Mrs. Fitzgerald desegregated the school 
by the following September. Her success will forever be remembered in 
the diversity of the Prince William County Public School System and its 
mission statement, which identifies a commitment to a diverse and 
multicultural learning environment.
  Mrs. Fitzgerald's work in the Prince William education system 
continued for twenty-three years after desegregation. As an elementary 
school teacher and learning disabilities specialist she witnessed the 
realization of the changes she initiated in 1964. President Barack 
Obama, the United States' first African-American President, was just 
three years old at the time of Mrs. Fitzgerald's desegregation efforts. 
His landmark Presidency is a testament to the courage and hard work of 
Mrs. Fitzgerald and her vision for this country's children.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this 
remarkable educator and champion of civil rights. She has enriched the 
lives of Prince William students with an unqualified opportunity for 
education, and it is time we thank her for her contribution to our 
school system. I commend the Prince William County Public School System 
for this most appropriate dedication. I know Fannie W. Fitzgerald will 
inspire children to attempt the difficult and accomplish the unlikely 
for years to come.