[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CRANE HERITAGE DAY HONOREE--EVELYN STRODER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. K. MICHAEL CONAWAY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2012

  Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a stalwart of our 
community, Evelyn Stroder, who is being recognized as this year's Crane 
Heritage Day honoree.
  When I think of what it takes to make a strong community, I think of 
someone like Evelyn. Communities can be united in many aspects, but one 
central component found in strong communities is service. And service 
to our community has been at the core of Evelyn's life.
  Evelyn's journey began in Corpus Christi where she graduated from 
high school and attended Del Mar Junior College before she went on to 
earn a B.A. in English and Journalism from Baylor University. Later she 
earned an M.A. in American Literature and Mass Communications from 
UTPB.
  In 1955, Evelyn and her husband, Charles, moved from Corpus Christi 
to Crane. Once in Crane, Evelyn would use her education to give back. 
She served others as an educator for 28 years and continues to serve on 
the Crane School Board. While Evelyn no longer teaches, she still 
remains active in the Permian Historical Society and the Crane County 
Historical Commission. Her journalistic accomplishments include her 
presented papers and published work in a variety of publications 
throughout Texas, and currently she serves as the assistant editor of 
the Permian Historical Society Annual.
  One would think that with such a busy schedule, Evelyn would not have 
time for much else in life. However, in between all these 
accomplishments, she has managed to raise three children, seven 
grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren--a notable accomplishment in 
itself!
  On behalf of the 11th District, it is an honor to recognize Evelyn 
because she is an example of those who have made our nation strong. Our 
nation did not become great from the top down, but from the bottom up--
from the people in our neighborhoods willing to serve and make their 
community a better place for others and their children. Evelyn is one 
of these individuals. Through this award, she is rightly recognized for 
the time and sacrifice she has dedicated to others and it is an honor 
to represent her in the Halls of Congress.

                          ____________________