[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 176 (Wednesday, December 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1618]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE FAIRFAX EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2016

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Fairfax Education 
Association (FEA) and two of its remarkable leaders.
  For over 50 years FEA has served as the voice of Fairfax County 
educators. Throughout its history FEA has upheld its mission of service 
to educators while demanding the highest standards of education for the 
children of Fairfax County.
  FEA leadership is largely responsible for setting the goals of the 
organization and focusing resources necessary to achieve those goals. 
Kimberly Adams, who has served as President of the FEA since 2013, has 
embraced the mission of the FEA and worked to expand community outreach 
programs to garner support for and understanding of the contributions 
of public education to the prosperity and quality of life for Fairfax 
County residents. Throughout her tenure, Kimberly has been a fierce 
advocate for funding our school system as well as providing support to 
our educators.
  As a former member and Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of 
Supervisors, I understand firsthand that the success of our local 
communities is tied directly to the quality of our school system. I 
have been proud to partner with the FEA on many occasions to ensure 
that Fairfax County public schools remain among the best in the 
country.
  I have often said that public service is a noble profession and this 
is especially true when it comes to the issue of education. I commend 
Kimberly for her advocacy and thank her for lending her voice for these 
last three years as FEA President. Although she may be returning to her 
``former life'' as a librarian, I have no doubt that she will continue 
to stay engaged in the important issues facing our community, our 
educators, and our children.
  Succeeding Kimberly in the role of President of the FEA is Kevin 
Hickerson. I congratulate him on his election and wish him great 
success going forward. Kimberly's shoes will certainly be difficult to 
fill, but I have no doubt that Kevin will continue the progress that 
has been made by the FEA during the last 50 years.
  It is possible to tell a great deal about the health of a community 
by the level of civic engagement that is exhibited by its residents. If 
the spirited conversations held throughout our community on education 
are any indication, then Fairfax County remains a picture of civic 
health. The efforts of Kimberly Adams, Kevin Hickerson, and the FEA are 
a large part of that, and I trust that they and the FEA as a whole will 
continue to play a vital role in ensuring that our teachers and our 
students succeed for many years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating 
Kimberly Adams and Kevin Hickerson as well as all of the members of the 
FEA for their immeasurable contributions to our community.

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