[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 66 (Thursday, May 10, 2012)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E761-E762] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING CHERYL E. THOMPSON UPON HER RETIREMENT ______ HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY of virginia in the house of representatives Thursday, May 10, 2012 Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Cheryl E. Thompson on the occasion of her retirement from Mantua Elementary School on June 30, 2012. She began in the Fairfax County Public School System in 1973 as a Physical Education teacher and she became the Lead Physical Education teacher at Mantua 21 years ago. After serving in that capacity for 11 years, Ms. Thompson was promoted to Assistant Principal, a role which she embraced for the last decade. Ms. Thompson has served the children of Fairfax County for the past four decades, spending the last 21 years at Mantua, where she personified the concept of community-building. She was the voice of the Mantua Elementary Intramural Basketball Finals; she organized and served as the DJ for the yearly Ice Cream Social, Sixth Grade End-of- Year Party, Spirit Parade, and the Mantua Citizens Association Pool Party. Ms. Thompson coached girls' basketball at Woodson High School, my daughter's alma mater, for 14 years, winning a number of division titles and the Virginia State Title in 1982. She earned Woodson Coach of the Year honors three times. The athletic instruction and support that Ms. Thompson gave to her students was exemplary; however, her dedication to her students' education is even more admirable. She earned Teacher of the Year and Support Employee of the Year honors with Mantua Elementary as well. While Ms. Thompson's absence will be felt throughout the Fairfax County Public School System, and especially at Mantua Elementary School, her dedication to her community will continue to resonate. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating her on her retirement and recognizing her many accomplishments. [[Page E762]] ____________________