[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 145 (Monday, September 26, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1358]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               A CAREER SPENT CLOSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP

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                         HON. RICHARD M. NOLAN

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 26, 2016

  Mr. NOLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stephanie Heilig of 
Duluth, Minnesota for her 41 years of service within the Duluth School 
District going above and beyond to create a positive learning 
environment for all students. I want to wish Stephanie the best as she 
celebrates her much deserved retirement.
   While Principal of Myers-Wilkins Elementary, where a majority of 
students come from households with incomes below the poverty line, 
Principal Heilig worked tirelessly to engage families and give students 
the resources they need to learn. As students, teachers, 
administrators, and principals begin a new school year, one of the 
biggest issues facing schools is an achievement gap between students 
from different demographic groups. However, at Myers-Wilkins Elementary 
Principal Heilig's efforts created an environment where all students, 
regardless of their background, had an equal opportunity to learn.
   She was very passionate about fostering a collaboration between the 
school and the community it serves by setting up after-school programs 
such as ``family nights.'' During school she would use every available 
opportunity to give books to students while encouraging them to read. 
Additionally, she made a point to spend time in the halls of Myers-
Wilkins talking to students to learn about their lives outside of 
school, their struggles and their achievements.
   Thank you Stephanie for your 41 years of dedicated service and for 
going above and beyond what was required to give all students the best 
possible environment to learn. Please join me in wishing Stephanie 
Heilig the absolute best in her retirement.

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