[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 96 (Monday, June 25, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S4456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO KEN DUNLAP

 Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, today I wish to remember a man who 
had significant impact on the lives of hundreds, maybe thousands of 
Kansans.
  Kansans very rarely live idle lives. We are an active hard-working 
State, always in motion, quick to rise to a challenge. The bigger the 
obstacle, the faster a Kansan will be there to remove it. Our Founders 
seemed to know that would be the case when they chose for our State 
motto, ``ad astra ad aspera''--``to the stars through difficulties.'' 
Kenneth Orville Dunlap, who grew up and lived in and around Wichita, 
KS, lived up to the motto.
  A little less than 40 years ago, this Nation made a commitment to 
disabled children--or ``differently able'' as Ken liked to say--that we 
were going to provide them the best possible education in the least 
restrictive environment. Some people saw that commitment as an 
obstacle. Ken saw that commitment as an opportunity to help people live 
fuller lives.
  Ken had been a teacher and coach in Kansas public schools for a 
couple of years when he decided to fully commit himself to special 
education. In the early 1970s, Ken established Wichita Public Schools' 
first Adaptive Physical Education curriculum at Levy Special Education 
Center. He went on to teach special education for 18 years at Wichita 
East High School, where he developed the first community-based 
instruction program, assisting special students with job readiness and 
placement.
  Some folks might have looked at those accomplishments and called 
themselves a success. Ken, however, wasn't done yet. He went on to 
serve as a special education coordinator for the Wichita School 
District for 5 years and as principal of three special education 
programs at Starkey, Ketch, and Heartspring.
  Still not finished, in 1996, Ken established one of the most 
innovative special education programs in the country--the Chisholm Life 
Skills Center. Ken had a vision for a school that would serve the 
community of Wichita, and at the same time teach its students the 
skills they would need to live independently. Chisholm students care 
for the yards of area seniors on their way to full-time paid jobs with 
landscaping companies. Students cook in the school cafeteria on their 
way to a career in food service. The school itself contracts with local 
businesses like Cessna/Textron Aviation, Intrust Bank and the United 
Way and students go on to work at several of those businesses. Chisholm 
is more than just a school; it is a bridge for ``differently able'' 
kids from education to the workforce and community. The staff, faculty 
and parents still strive for every student at Chisholm to be fully 
equipped with the skills needed upon graduation to live the most 
independent life possible in the local community.
  In 1999, a Kansas storm put a different obstacle in Ken's way, when a 
deadly tornado ripped the roof off of Chisholm. Again, Ken saw the 
opportunity, transitioning from his role as educator and administrator 
to foreman. While most educators were enjoying their summer vacation, 
Ken was overseeing the cleanup and rebuilding of the school. He rallied 
the whole community. Teachers, parents and alumni all pitched in, 
clearing debris, cleaning and rebuilding Chisholm. The school today 
stands as a testament to Ken's leadership and the whole community's 
persistence.
  And, just as Ken's commitment to his school didn't end with the 
school year, his commitment to special education didn't end in the 
schoolyard. Ken and his wife Jan devoted countless hours to 
volunteering with the Special Olympics. They took students on annual 
camping trips and chaperoned the Chisholm Prom each year. They went to 
students' weddings and attended their funerals. Even after he retired 
from his 37 years in public education, Ken continued to serve on the 
Sedgwick County Physical & Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board.
  For the last year, Ken has battled lung cancer and on Saturday, 
surrounded by his family, he took his last breath. This remarkable 
man's life was celebrated and remembered this week by family, friends, 
colleagues and former students. During the visitation on Tuesday at the 
funeral home, one of the last people to pay their respects to Ken was a 
former student. This young man shared with Ken's family that he had 
caused a lot of trouble to Ken when he was a student. Before he left, 
he walked over to the casket and put his hand on Ken's shoulder. He 
said simply, ``Thank you for everything, Mr. Dunlap,'' and turned to 
leave. Then he stopped. He asked Jan if he could leave something 
behind. Pulling a Special Olympics Medal from his pocket, he laid it on 
Ken's chest, thanked him again and left.
  We will never know how many lives Ken touched nor the full impact he 
made--but he leaves behind a great legacy and his life stands as an 
example to us all. His dedication to others is a powerful reminder of 
what is most important in life--the people around us. May we learn from 
Ken's example and make a lasting difference in the lives of 
others.

                          ____________________