[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 30 (Monday, February 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E245]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING THOMAS L. HARVEY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. LEE TERRY

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 27, 2012

  Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise during Black 
History Month to remember the important contributions that African 
Americans have made to our nation--and to honor the extraordinary 
people who continue to help shape my community of Omaha. Today, I would 
like to pay special tribute to Thomas L. Harvey, one of the thousands 
of successful and talented African Americans in the Second 
Congressional District of Nebraska.
  Thomas Harvey always wanted to be a positive influence in children's 
lives. He first did so as a fifth grade elementary school teacher in 
Monroe, Louisiana; later, in addition to teaching, he took on school 
football and basketball coaching duties. An Omaha Public Schools 
Recruiter was encouraged by Teacher Corp's positive evaluation of 
Thomas, to convince Thomas that his work could be continued in Omaha, 
where an underserved youth community could truly benefit from his 
presence.
  Mr. Harvey moved to Omaha, and the rest is history. He went on to 
become the principal of Omaha North High's magnet school. After his 
time at the magnet school, Mr. Harvey served as a principal at the 
Omaha area's first magnet middle school, McMillan, and he later 
returned to North High to serve as the principal of its general student 
body. Under his guidance and direction, the magnet school programs at 
these schools quickly went from initial planning stages to 
implementation and success. These days, Harvey is well known for being 
a motivational educator who has contributed greatly to his schools' 
rise to excellence, as well as an inspirational leader in the 
community.
  During Mr. Harvey's tenure as principal of North High School, the 
school was cited for its excellent academic programs--in both Newsweek 
and Redbook magazines--and was featured as a premiere high school on 
numerous television shows, including NBC's Nightly News. Under Mr. 
Harvey's management, North High was deemed a Magnet School of 
Excellence in 1997, by the Magnet Schools of America. Mr. Harvey 
continues to promote excellence in education--currently serving as the 
Assistant Superintendent of Student and Community Services for Omaha 
Public Schools.
  In addition to his service to students, Mr. Harvey is active in 
several local, state, and national organizations. He is a board member 
of Magnet Schools of America, and Communities in Schools of Omaha. He 
also serves as a member of the Site Visitation Team for the U.S. 
Department of Secondary Education, and is a member of the Metropolitan 
Community College Advisory Committee.
  I am proud to recognize and honor this highly esteemed and dedicated 
educator for his four and a half decades of selfless service to the 
Omaha Community.

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