[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 60 (Thursday, April 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING LINDA McGURK'S MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO EDUCATION

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                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2017

  Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Linda 
McGurk for her 25 years of service as principal of Ben Milam Elementary 
School in McAllen, Texas.
   Linda McGurk received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary 
Education from The University of Texas Pan-American in 1964. That same 
year, she began teaching first grade. In 1968, while raising a family 
with her husband James McGurk, Linda McGurk served on the St. Joseph's 
School Board and volunteered with the Edinburg Parks and Recreation 
Department, the Edinburg Junior Service League. Linda McGurk became 
principal of St. Joseph Catholic School in 1984. Two years later, she 
earned her Master's in Educational Administration from The University 
of Texas Pan-American. In 1992, Linda McGurk was named principal of Ben 
Milam Elementary School, a position she still holds today. Over the 
course of her tenure at Ben Milam, she has helped thousands of children 
embark on an educational journey.
   In 2006, the University of Texas Pan-American recognized Linda 
McGurk for her leadership and countless contributions to elementary 
education in South Texas. And in 2012, the Texas Classroom Teachers 
Association named her Administrator of the Year. Most recently, the 
McAllen Education Foundation honored Linda McGurk for her commitment to 
student success, naming her an ``Outstanding Educator'' this past year.
   For more than 50 years, Linda McGurk has dedicated her life to 
expanding educational opportunities for all. She has been a champion of 
student success and her commitment to parents, teachers, and staff at 
Ben Milam Elementary School is admirable.
   As we recognize Linda McGurk's service to the McAllen Independent 
School District, we also celebrate Ben Milam Elementary School's 50th 
Anniversary.
   If walls could talk, the walls of Ben Milam Elementary School would 
tell an inspirational story spanning half a century. Milam Elementary 
School has molded numerous generations of McAllen's young minds and 
given them the tools they need to succeed.
   Mr. Speaker, this week South Texas honors a great educator. It is my 
privilege to recognize Mrs. Linda McGurk in the U.S. House of 
Representatives today.

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