[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1618]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING DUANE FURMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2010

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor 
Duane Furman for receiving the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award. He has 
lived a long and distinguished life and career, adhering to extremely 
high standards of quality and integrity.
  Duane was born in Dinuba and moved to Madera in 1963 to become the 
superintendent of Madera School District. Under Duane's leadership, 
Madera Unified School District unified ten school districts into one 
and grew to serve a broad range of students and helping them reach 
their academic potential. Duane's background in education started in 
the classroom as a school teacher and then principal.
  Duane is exceptionally well connected within his professional 
community. He is a life member of the National Education Association, 
the past president of the Madera County Chapter of the California 
Elementary Administrators Association, the state chairman of the 
California Elementary Schools Administrators Association. In addition, 
he was the past president of Phi Delta Kappa Delta Chapter, as well as 
the California Association of School Administrators. This just 
scratches the surface of Duane's contributions and participation in his 
professional career.
  In addition to professional organizations, Duane is deeply involved 
in his community. He is past president of Madera Rotary Club, part of 
the Madera County Mental Health Advisory Board, and part of the 
Education and Ambassador Committee of the Madera Chamber of Commerce. 
Additionally, Duane was a founding board member of the Madera County 
Arts Council. He has been given numerous awards including the Fresno 
State Kremen School of Education Noted Alumni Award, the Phi Delta 
Kappa Service Award, and the San Joaquin River Trust Director Emeritus 
Award, all in 2007.
  Duane is married to Patricia, also an educator, and they have three 
children. Presently, Duane serves on the Board of Directors for the 
Madera Community Hospital, as well as the San Joaquin Valley 
Paleontology Foundation.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in commending Mr. Duane Furman for a 
life well-lived and wishing him the best of luck and health as he 
continues setting the standard.

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