[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE CAREER OF VERNA BAILEY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SUZANNE BONAMICI

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 21, 2013

  Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Verna Bailey, an 
exemplary public school principal who worked with distinction for 
decades in the district I am honored to represent. Since 1974, Verna 
has dedicated herself to the students, parents, and faculty of the 
Beaverton School District. Originally from Mississippi, Verna moved to 
the Pacific Northwest 40 years ago and promptly fell in love with 
Oregon and its residents. She earned a Master's Degree in Education at 
Lewis and Clark College, and she worked in several Beaverton schools 
during her exceptional career.
   Verna Bailey is the daughter of a civil rights advocate, and the 
first African-American woman to attend and graduate from Ole' Miss. Her 
story is one of courage and bravery. Although many of us supported the 
civil rights movements of the 1950s and 1960s, Verna personally 
confronted hatred and prejudice on a daily basis, and she fought to 
earn what all of our students rightly deserve--a quality education. 
Verna Bailey stepped up to be one of the first so others behind her 
could follow her path. She showed the integrity and determination that 
solidified her place in our complicated American history.
   Verna's past should and will be honored, but it is her 39-year 
history with the Beaverton School District that is her legacy. As an 
educator and administrator, Verna Bailey earned considerable praise and 
recognition. She contributed to the development of thousands of 
students, including my own children, who saw and respected her as a 
leader. It is my honor to congratulate Verna Bailey on her retirement 
and to thank her for a remarkable career and for her decades of 
dedication to our youth and our community. Her leadership, enthusiasm, 
and compassion will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________