[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 47 (Monday, April 4, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING DON ROBERTSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PHIL GINGREY

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 4, 2011

  Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Don 
Robertson of Marietta, Georgia.
  For 26 years, Don has been the headmaster of The Walker School. This 
school year will be his last as he embarks on a much deserved 
retirement. The Cobb County Community is sad to see such a great 
educator leave but we are grateful that he and his family have been 
such an integral part of our community.
  What makes him such a respected educator is that Don has always been 
willing to assist a student in need. Although he would never volunteer 
this information, Don has paid the reenroliment fees for countless 
students to continue their higher education at Walker. This a common 
occurrence with a co-worker from all of his 26 years commenting ``if 
only I had a nickel for every dollar he contributed to tuition of his 
students . . .''
  Mr. Speaker, Don often is introduced by his own faculty as ``The 
World's Best Headmaster.'' He has been a formidable mentor to young 
faculty. So much so, many of his mentees have gone on to be principals 
and headmasters themselves at other educational institutions.
  Don is always willing to give his all to the betterment of the Walker 
community. During the annual silent auction, Don offers up his culinary 
skills with all proceeds going to the school. ``Won-ton Don'' prepares 
from scratch an Oriental meal for the winning bid, which is always one 
of the most popular items at the auction.
  Mr. Speaker, Don has been a strategic planner for The Walker School 
and it has never been more evident than today. When Don first came to 
Walker in 1985, the school had 450 students and one building. Under 
Don's leadership, Walker recently completed an $11.5 million building 
program which significantly enhanced the academic and athletic 
facilities. Today, he leaves the school with a student population of 
1,038, 34 acres of land, more than 1 million square feet of teaching 
space, seven buildings that house three libraries, two gymnasiums, 
three dining halls, a technology center, Preschool, Lower School, and 
Middle and Upper Schools. Without question, Don built Walker to what it 
is today.
  Walker's Mission is to provide an excellent college-preparatory 
education in a nurturing environment that values personal integrity, 
prizes creativity, and inspires the lifelong love of learning. It is 
clear, Mr. Speaker, that Don Robertson has done just that.
  Don compiled a faculty of substance to help prepare students for 
college and for life. The school has over 180 professional staff 
members, with advanced degrees held by 71 percent of Walker's lead 
teachers. Don believes in his faculty. At every faculty meeting, he 
draws the name of a teacher out of a hat. Whichever teacher he draws, 
he substitutes for them for the entire day, giving them a much deserved 
day of rest.
  It is no small task but Don has cultivated a learning environment 
that students want to immerse themselves in. As a mathematics 
instructor, Don has made students appreciate the subject, which in and 
of itself is a huge accomplishment. Tellingly, 100 percent of The 
Walker School graduates are accepted to a college or university.
  When asked about what makes The Walker School special, Don stated: 
``An intangible spirit exists in the faces of our students, during 
conversations with our committed faculty and staff, visits from our 
alumni, and in the dedicated work of our volunteers and parents.''
  Mr. Speaker, Don is a devoted father and grandfather of three. I know 
he is looking forward to being able to spend more time with his 
grandchildren.
  Don, I thank you for your service to the children of Cobb County and 
I wish you the best in the next chapter of your life.
  I ask my colleagues to please join me in thanking Don Robertson for 
his commitment to the education of our Nation's future leaders and the 
betterment of his community.

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