[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 127 (Monday, September 8, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1354-E1355]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING MARY CATHERINE ABBOTT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2014

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, with the new school year upon us, we are 
reminded of the great role education has played in our personal and 
professional growth. And we can't help but smile as we remember the 
educators, the teachers, school administrators and staff who, through 
the years, so enriched our lives. One individual who devoted her career 
and most of her adult life to education certainly comes to mind, Ms. 
Mary Abbott.
  Ms. Abbott passed away late last year. And yet, Mr. Speaker, Mary 
Abbott's influence lives on. In fact, as has been said, a teacher 
affects eternity; they never know where their influence ends. Mary 
Abbott taught sound lessons throughout her productive life; even long 
after her formal role in education had come to an end, her selfless 
service continued for her community.

[[Page E1355]]

  Ms. Abbott devoted a great deal of time educating herself so she 
could serve others. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and 
received Bachelor Degrees from St. Mary of the Springs College in 
Columbus, Ohio, and Concord College in Athens, West Virginia. She 
received a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from West Virginia 
University and did advanced studies at the University.
  Ms. Abbott taught at Rhodell, Stoco and Hollywood Elementary Schools. 
She served as curriculum supervisor for Raleigh County Schools for 28 
years and served on numerous committees at the county, state and 
national levels.
  Retiring from the Raleigh County School system in 1988, Ms. Abbott 
became active in the West Virginia and Raleigh County Associations of 
Retired School Employees, and was a West Virginia State volunteer for 
AARP serving as the West Virginia Retired Educators Liaison. She was a 
Prisoner Visitation and Support Volunteer at the Federal Correctional 
Institution of Beckley, a member of the Woman's Club of Beckley serving 
as the president in 2008-2010, Delta Kappa Gamma Honorary Society for 
teachers, and a member of the Raleigh County Democrat Executive 
Committee.
  It's not surprising that Ms. Abbott's love for our great Nation and 
her passion for learning continue to benefit her community. On 
September 17th the first Mary Abbott Memorial Scholarship awards will 
be presented to three worthy Raleigh County high school students who 
have penned winning essays titled, ``What the United States 
Constitution Means to Me.''
  Mr. Speaker, it is because of the contributions of dedicated, devoted 
citizens, like Mary Abbott, that this Nation has been so blessed. And 
because of the lessons Mary Abbott so selflessly imparted to 
generations, her work will continue without end.

                          ____________________