[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 114 (Friday, July 30, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  MS. BARBARA YARBOUGH'S 50TH YEAR OF SERVICE AT MIDLAND INDEPENDENT 
                            SCHOOL DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. K. MICHAEL CONAWAY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 30, 2010

  Mr. CONAWAY. Madam Speaker, I always enjoy being able to share 
stories about the great people of District 11 with my colleagues. 
Today, I would like to share the story of Barbara Yarbrough, a 
treasured citizen of Midland, Texas, who I am privileged to represent 
in this House.
  Barbara grew up in what many of us would consider difficult 
circumstances. Orphaned at the age of eight, she and her younger 
brother spent four years homeless until an Aunt took them in. Her Aunt 
encouraged her to go to college, telling her that If she graduated, she 
could do anything.
  I do not know if Barbara's Aunt knew then how right she would be, but 
I am proud to say that Barbara has accomplished everything one 
individual could hope to in a life devoted to serving the communities 
she has called home.
  In Midland, Barbara is a living legend. For almost forty years, she 
taught two generations of Midlanders, serving as an advisor, a 
confidant, a cheerleader, a mentor, and a friend to every student who 
sat in her classroom. After retiring from teaching, Barbara tackled new 
challenges, and now works as a parent liaison in the Midland school 
district. Through this office, she works with parents and families, 
offering counseling, advice, parenting classes, health information, and 
support for parents when they have needed it the most.
  I expect that most every community has someone like Barbara; someone 
who works nearly as hard or touches almost as many lives. I imagine 
that every member of Congress I serve with can think of someone that 
might compare. But, I know that I represent the one and only Barbara 
Yarbough. She Is a singular individual, a truly unique soul, who my 
community is blessed to be able to call our own. She is also a near and 
dear friend to me, who I am honored to be able to brag on here today.
  This August, Barbara celebrates 50 years of serving the students, 
parents, and employees of the Midland Independent School District, I 
would like to offer my humblest gratitude to her for her five decades 
of service and her genuine, unwavering, and unflinching concern for the 
people of Midland. She has been and will continue to be a friend to 
many and a servant to all.
  May God bless her as she has blessed us.

                          ____________________