[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 154 (Thursday, October 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2606-E2607]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING MRS. MINNIE HILL McCLEASE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 22, 2009

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, on October 25, 2009 friends and 
family will gather to honor Mrs. Minnie Hill McClease, a retired 
teacher who has had a tremendous impact on North Carolina's First 
Congressional District. On this special occasion, Mrs. McClease's loved 
ones will join her to pay special tribute to this extraordinary woman.
  Born on December 17, 1908, Mrs. McClease will soon celebrate her 
101st birthday. After graduating from State Normal High School in 
Elizabeth City, North Carolina, she earned a bachelors degree from Shaw 
University and later a masters degree from New York University.
  Retiring on June 4, 1971 after 37 years, Mrs. McClease served as a 
mathematics teacher at Elizabeth City's P. W. Moore High School and at 
Northeastern High School. To this day, the Cooper/McClease Scholarship 
is presented in her honor annually at Northeastern High School to a 
student who excels in mathematics.
  During her career, Mrs. McClease earned the respect of her students, 
fellow teachers and the entire community. She fully dedicated herself 
to teaching because she cared so very deeply about the education of 
children. And, as we all know, good teachers like Mrs. McClease make a 
remarkable difference in the lives of their students.
  During her extraordinary teaching career, Mrs. McClease inspired 
countless students. She made an undeniable impression on every student, 
and many of them went on to do great things. Among her students were 
Superior Court Judge J.C. Cole, cardiologist Dr. Lindsey White, retired 
principal and Pasquotank County Commissioner Cecil Perry, Virginia 
Beach Health Director Dr. Venita Newby-Owens, retired U.S. Army General 
Hawthorn Proctor, cardiologist Dr. Kermit Brown, retired educator Eddie 
Davis and Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools Superintendent 
Linwood Williams. These accomplished people represent just a few of the 
many great students Mrs. McClease helped inspire to reach their full 
potential.
  Mrs. McClease has also been a highly active member of Olive Branch 
Missionary Baptist Church.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Mrs. 
McClease. She is truly a remarkable person deserving of our deepest 
gratitude for the enormous contributions that she made in the lives of 
children in eastern North Carolina and to the entire community.

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