[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 33 (Thursday, February 27, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      RECOGNIZING BARBARA SHIRLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. VERN BUCHANAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 2014

  Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent, 
Barbara Shirley, who was recently named Florida's Principal of the Year 
for her leadership at Alta Vista Elementary School in Sarasota, 
Florida.
  Since becoming principal of Alta Vista in 2007, Barbara has secured 
private funding and recruited volunteers to expand the school's 
programs to provide free summer school classes to under privileged 
students, and educate and assist parents.
  The classes help students retain what they learned during the school 
year and teach parents how to manage their finances, cook healthy meals 
and get job training.
  Barbara has been offered positions at schools in more affluent 
neighborhoods, but chooses instead to be principal of Alta Vista, where 
more than 90% of the students are on free or reduced lunch and several 
of the students are homeless.
  While many students and schools in disadvantaged neighborhoods score 
low on state achievement tests, Alta Vista has maintained an A rating.
  I appreciate this opportunity to bring much deserved recognition to 
Barbara for her successful efforts to help at-risk students and their 
parents.

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