[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 14, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2810-S2811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                     TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL L. HOPKINS

 Mrs SHAHEEN. Madam President, today I wish to salute Michael 
L. Hopkins for his decades of tireless work and devoted service to the 
schools of Rochester, NH. Mike is retiring this year as superintendent 
of the Rochester School District after spending the entirety of his 
career in the city's school system. He leaves a legacy worthy of our 
praise and our gratitude.
  We all know the value of a quality education. It plays a critical 
role in the development of young minds everywhere, and enthusiastic 
teachers and administrators make it possible for so many students to 
take part in experiences that shape a lifelong appreciation for 
learning. As a former teacher myself, I know the commitment and 
understanding required to engage students, encourage curiosity and 
critical thinking, ultimately prepare them to find success after school 
and outside of the classroom.
  Mike is also a former teacher, and he has brought that perspective to 
every move he makes as his district's top decision-maker. After 
graduating from his hometown school, Grinnell College

[[Page S2811]]

in Iowa, Mike set his sights toward New Hampshire and accepted a 
teaching job at the Gonic School. He quickly assumed managerial duties 
in addition to his teaching responsibilities as the school's teaching 
principal. Mike was a fitting choice when a full-time principal 
position opened a short time later at the nearby William Allen School, 
where he served for 6 years before being promoted to assistant 
superintendent of the city's school system. A dozen years later, he 
made a seamless transition to superintendent of all Rochester schools.
  As superintendent, Mike has retained a deep connection to the 
classroom, even in a sprawling district comprised of 11 public schools 
with over 4,400 children and 800 employees. He is a constant presence 
in the halls of city schools, and teachers are quick to point out how 
his caring, compassion, and guidance make it easier for them to fulfill 
their essential roles as educators. He has also forged meaningful 
relationships outside school walls with business and nonprofit leaders 
in the Greater Rochester region, all in an effort to strengthen the 
educational programs he is able to offer to students.
  Under Mike's leadership, Rochester schools have been quick to adapt 
to a changing learning landscape, embracing technology and alternative 
educational methods in order to provide the best education possible to 
city students. He has been influential in developing training programs 
at Spaulding High School's Creteau Regional Center that pair bright 
high school students with local businesses looking to grow. This is an 
approach that can help satisfy demands statewide for a capable, 
qualified workforce.
  Mike has accomplished so much in his four decades in the Lilac City 
schools. Words like visionary, innovator, and community builder are 
often used to describe his tenure; yet, if one were to ask Rochester 
teachers, staff, administrators, school board members, and residents 
about Mike Hopkins, one quality emerges more often than the others: his 
humility. Mike always put the interests of students and teachers first, 
and when he found success, he was always eager to share credit with 
others. He was driven by a desire to better the lives of students, and 
his impact on the Rochester community will be felt for years to come.
  On behalf of the people of New Hampshire, I ask my colleagues and all 
Americans to join me in thanking Mike Hopkins for his service and 
wishing him all the best as he begins a well-deserved 
retirement.

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