[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 92 (Tuesday, June 5, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E760]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING ALLEN GRAFFAM FOR HIS 43 YEARS OF SERVICE IN MAINE PUBLIC 
                                SCHOOLS

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. CHELLIE PINGREE

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2018

  Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize an outstanding 
educator from my District who has spent the past 43 years working as a 
band director in Maine's public schools.
  Allen C. Graffam graduated from the University of Maine in 1975 and 
soon after, took a job at Brunswick High School. After eight years of 
service in Brunswick, Allen became band director at Mt. Ararat High 
School in Topsham, Maine. Since becoming band director in 1983, Allen 
has been an inspiration to his students and is greatly admired for his 
ability to listen, to advise, and to teach. Allen's leadership and 
dedication to educating in the classroom has prepared countless 
students to become important leaders in their communities.
  In addition to his role as band director, Allen has also served as 
the Coach of the Girls' Softball team at Mt. Ararat High School. 
Allen's ability to fill multiple roles perfectly exemplifies his life 
long commitment to Maine students.
  This June, Allen is retiring after 43 years of incredible service in 
Maine's public schools. Allen's nearly half a century as a band 
director and leader in our schools makes me very proud to represent him 
and the State of Maine in Congress. I wish Allen and his family the 
best in his retirement, and I wholeheartedly thank him for his many 
years as an educator in Maine's schools.

                          ____________________