[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 67 (Wednesday, April 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E531]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  PAYING TRIBUTE TO DR. ALAN GOODWIN, PRINICIPAL OF WALT WHITMAN HIGH 
             SCHOOL, BETHESDA, MARYLAND, ON HIS RETIREMENT

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                           HON. JAMIE RASKIN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 25, 2018

  Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding 
educator and beloved community leader, Dr. Alan Goodwin. Dr. Goodwin 
currently serves as Principal of Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, 
Maryland, and is retiring after 43 years in the Montgomery County 
Public School System (MCPS). The people of Maryland's 8th district, 
especially those who live within the Walt Whitman community, will be 
forever grateful for Dr. Goodwin's great contributions and steadfast 
commitment to our students and to our community.
   Dr. Goodwin began his career as an English teacher in 1975 and was 
immediately recognized for his ability to inspire students to challenge 
complacency and apathy and take charge of their own destinies. He was 
nominated for the prestigious Outstanding Teacher Award and led dozens 
of his colleagues as head of the English Department. Since leaving the 
classroom, Dr. Goodwin served MCPS as an assistant principal, a middle 
school principal, and finally principal of one of the top rated high 
schools in the United States, Walt Whitman, a school which honors its 
namesake with creativity, compassion and hard work.
   Principal Goodwin has been an instrumental force in creating 
positive changes in the school district, thereby bringing out the very 
best in our students. Holding a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and 
possessing decades of experience as an educator and administrator, Dr. 
Goodwin waved off higher administrative posts where he could have 
worked less and made more. Instead, he opted to stay in a role where he 
could maintain day-to-day interaction with his students, or as he 
refers to them, his ``kids,'' stating, ``they make a difference for me 
every day.''
   Principal Goodwin's unwavering dedication to his students and to his 
excellent teaching staff is legendary, and has resulted in multiple 
nominations by Bethesda Magazine as the ``Best Public High School 
Principal.''
   Dr. Goodwin has seen tremendous triumphs for the Whitman community. 
Walt Whitman High School was routinely listed by U.S. World News and 
Report as one of the top high schools in the nation throughout Dr. 
Goodwin's tenure.
   He has also led the school through difficult times, helping 
students, staff and community weather devastating losses and tragedies 
that have shaken the Viking community. Recognizing the resiliency of 
the community, the Whitman baseball program has dedicated its 2018 
season to ``Whitman Strong,'' a rallying cry used to bolster the school 
community in the wake of terrible events resulting in the loss of two 
students this past fall.
   On the occasion of Walt Whitman High School's 2018 Baseball Program 
Community Night, I am honored to join Vikings Head Coach Joe Cassidy 
and the entire school community in paying loving tribute to Dr. Goodwin 
for his years of service and his profoundly passionate dedication and 
commitment to the students of Walt Whitman High School.

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