[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 132 (Friday, August 2, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING CHARLES SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 2019

  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear 
friend, Charles Smith, and to congratulate him on the completion of his 
term as President of the Missouri-National Education Association (MNEA) 
and wish him well as he enters into retirement.
  A graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, Charles taught 
communication arts in the Center School District of Kansas City for 
over three decades. Through being an active member of his church and 
the head of the Communication Arts Department and High School Newspaper 
Advisor, Charles always sought to find every opportunity to help his 
students and serve his community.
  It was this desire to serve that led Charles to seek the position of 
MNEA President six years ago. As President, Charles chaired the MNEA 
Board of Directors, served as the association's official spokesperson 
for the state of Missouri and represented over 35,000 members of the 
MNEA.
  Madam Speaker, dedicated and hardworking educators, such as Charles, 
put in an immense amount of effort to ensure our children receive the 
best education possible and help students realize their dreams. One 
thing is certain; I know that I could have never served in the halls of 
Congress without the help of devoted and caring teachers along the way, 
and Charles has certainly made a lasting impact on my career. I am 
grateful for his friendship and comradery over the years and wish him 
well in his future endeavors.

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