[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E24]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CONGRATULATING RODNEY KAY

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                       HON. LYNN A. WESTMORELAND

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 13, 2010

  Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Rodney 
Kay, named my State's 2009-10 ``Assistant Principal of the Year'' by 
the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals. Rodney, head of 
Curriculum and Instruction at Heard County High School in Franklin, 
will represent the Peach State well when he competes for the national 
title in March.
  Rodney won this award after serving as an administrator for only two 
years. This recognition so early in his career demonstrates the passion 
and commitment he brings to educating young people. His leadership, 
combined with the talents of all the fine educators at Heard County 
High, quickly brought demonstrable results. The school has achieved new 
records in test scores, and the Governor's Office of Student 
Achievement named Heard County as one of only nine schools to attain 
``platinum'' status in the 2008-09 school year.
  Rodney's win was not only well-deserved, but it also had the 
additional benefit of bringing positive attention to Heard County 
students' accomplishments, said Principal Rusty Sowell. ``It is a 
tremendous honor to be selected, and it speaks for itself with the 
things he has done and helped us achieve,'' Sowell continued.
  This success might derive from Rodney's team player approach with 
teachers. Rodney knows first-hand the challenges as well as the joys 
that come with serving directly in the classroom. Before his promotion 
to assistant principal at Heard County, he worked as a Spanish teacher 
for 13 years in his hometown of Carrollton.
  As a Member of Congress, I greatly appreciate efforts to honor the 
outstanding public servants who dedicate their lives to enlightening 
the next generation of Americans. Our teachers rank among our greatest 
resources. They put their own hearts on the line for students facing 
educational hardships or troubled home lives. They also know the 
triumph of seeing students learn, overcome obstacles, achieve academic 
excellence and go on to successful college and professional careers.
  Rodney Kay obviously has approached this calling with fervor and 
passion--and with an eye on a higher purpose. ``I believe I am in the 
school to serve teachers and students, and I have been placed on this 
Earth to serve God and others,'' Rodney said.
  We appreciate that service from Rodney and his fellow educators. On 
behalf of the people of Georgia's 3rd District, I congratulate him on 
this honor and wish him the best of luck as he advances to the next 
level.

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