[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 29, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E407]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING PRINCIPAL JULIE PIERCE ON HER SELECTION AS ALABAMA'S 2017 
                    NATIONAL DISTINGUISHED PRINCIPAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRADLEY BYRNE

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 29, 2017

  Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Principal Julie 
Pierce of Fairhope Elementary School on being selected as Alabama's 
National Distinguished Principal of 2017. This is a remarkable and 
extraordinary achievement, and it shows Ms. Pierce's steadfast 
dedication to the young men and women she has taught and guided 
throughout her distinguished career that has spanned over 27 years.
   A native of Oneonta, Ms. Pierce graduated from the University of 
Alabama with a degree in business and began work as an accountant 
before embarking on her career in education. She obtained her master's 
degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama at 
Birmingham, and later a certificate in Educational Leadership from the 
University of South Alabama.
   Prior to her time at Fairhope Elementary School, Ms. Pierce served 
as principal of Gulf Shores Elementary, assistant principal at J. Larry 
Newton School, reading coach at Summerdale School, second grade teacher 
in Guntersville and Albertville, and fifth grade teacher in Orlando, 
Florida. Ms. Pierce has been shaping our nation's youth for over a 
quarter century, giving them the tools they need to succeed in life.
   Having spent much of my public life working in education policy, I 
have had the opportunity to spend a lot of time in our local 
classrooms. I am always struck by the hard work these men and women do 
on a daily basis, and they rarely get the attention they deserve. Great 
educators really care about their students and work very hard to get 
the most out of them. It is clear Ms. Pierce possesses these very 
important qualities.
   So, on behalf of Alabama's First Congressional District, I want to 
thank Principal Julie Pierce for her dedicated service and congratulate 
her on being selected as Alabama's 2017 National Distinguished 
Principal.

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