[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 64 (Tuesday, May 8, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E736]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING SUPERINTENDENT RONALD BLOCKER FOR 12 YEARS OF SERVICE TO 
                             ORANGE COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL WEBSTER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 8, 2012

  Mr. WEBSTER. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Orange County 
Public School Superintendent Ronald Blocker and congratulate him on 12 
years at the helm of Central Florida's largest public school system. We 
are grateful for his service to our students, our teachers and our 
community.
  Assuming the charge of Superintendent for Orange County in July 2000, 
Mr. Blocker's committed leadership has led to the highest graduation 
rate and the lowest dropout rate in the history of the county's 
education system. Mr. Blocker has shepherded an education system that 
prepares high school students for their transition into undergraduate 
programs through dual enrollment or for their vocational development 
through technical programs that partner with local companies. He has 
worked to provide each student with many opportunities to succeed, from 
Honors and Advanced Placement classes to magnet and technical programs 
with customized curriculum. The vision cast by Mr. Blocker is one of 
purpose and opportunity.
  During his service as OCPS Superintendent, Mr. Blocker has been 
recognized many times for his outstanding leadership. Among his awards 
and recognitions, Mr. Blocker was selected as Florida's Superintendent 
of the Year in 2011, named 2010 Reading Leader of the Year by Just 
Read, Florida!, received the Chairman's Award in 2009 from the Metro 
Orlando Economic Development Commission, and recognized by the Florida 
Art Education Association as Superintendent of the Year in 2008.
  I am grateful to Mr. Blocker for his leadership and guidance as 
Superintendent and wish him and his family the best as he continues to 
serve his state and his community. I am confident that he will continue 
to inspire others to give back to their community and to serve one 
another.